Chalkboards

I am fascinated by the layering that results from applying and then removing and reapplying chalk marks on black chalkboards. I have recently completed several of these studies of the nature of the palimpsests that result from marking, erasing, adding and subtracting. One of my recent drawings/paintings with chalk is 4 feet tall and 18 feet long.

Venice: Ewan Clayton and East Meets West

In October and November of 2014 I took part in two fabulous calligraphy workshops in Venice, Italy.

The first workshop was a study of the influences of Venetian lettering masters from the 15th and 16th centuries on early type designers. By locating this workshop in the the library of the Correr Museum on San Marco, Ewan Clayton, Professor of Design at Sunderland University in England, made it possible for us to view applicable written manuscripts and early type-set books from the period. Ewan recently published his excellent book, The Golden Thread, A History of Writing, which I heartily recommend.

The second intensive workshop was an amazing experiment in blending the eastern calligraphic discipline with personal handwriting from the western tradition. Kazuaki Tanahashi and Monica Dengo collaborated in encouraging individual expression within the traditions of both cultures. I made a great deal of work in the workshops.

Listening

A recent body of my work explores the possibilities and challenges of listening--listening to friends and family, to crowds of people, to silence. The images here are visual translations of my listening experiences.

Exploring Sources

The past two years have been devoted to my studies toward the Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. I was fortunate to be part of the remarkable program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. My thesis focus explored the origins and sources of the text-based marks that appear in my printmaking and paintings. I received the MFA in October, 2014.