Artist Statement

This body of work is a continuation of oil on panel portraits of the Muscovy ducks that live in the canals of Metairie and Kenner. The series, based in the tradition of historical portraiture but tempered with humor, is my first since returning to New Orleans from graduate school in 2008.  For me, the beauty of the paint and the horror and ridiculousness of the duck portraits symbolize various perceptions of the suburbs.

 

In this show, narrative charcoal and watercolor drawings and vanitas-themed miniatures accompany the portraits. Flattened space, unclear narrative, and emphasis on formal qualities such as value in the drawings intend to evoke a sense of ambiguity and mystery.  Still lives and tiny portraits suggest loss and memory, indications of change. Much like an empty oyster shell, the miniatures remind me of the process and fleetingness of pleasure and life. I think the overall absurdity of the subject matter – Mardi Gras beads, beer bottle caps, ugly-ass ducks, and the idea that this is how these animals might see themselves – softens the often disturbing seriousness of the genres and themes with which I currently work.