Up Against

source: cherylpopenet

The work I produce seeks to address relevant issues that affect the way in which we live our lives today. I begin with relationships and experiences in my everyday that I find confrontational or in need of examination. Through research, experimentation, and collaboration, I produce works addressing specific questions that extend into social, political, and global conversations. I am interested in developing communities through my work via collaboration, relevancy, and outreach.

The most dominant influence on my work is from my experience studying with and working as Studio Manager to artist Nick Cave. His commitment and generosity as a mentor is beyond words. I am constantly learning from him what it means to be an artist today.

As part time faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Fashion and Continuing Studies Department as well as teaching artist and consultant at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, I am offered the opportunity to discuss contemporary art with a general public of all ages and backgrounds. These conversations and reactions greatly influence the work I produce and the ways in which I seek to engage the audience.