My father is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army. He dedicated 33 years of his life to serve his country and help protect his family. My father is a skydiver with over 1,000 free fall jumps, is so highly decorated that he wears a brick of ribbons on his chest, and has fought in 5 wars. I grew up in military bases and towns around the globe. I often saw him in his uniform, sometimes he'd let me wear his helmet or put on his heavy gear. It is no surprise to me now that his lifestyle of war and soldiers worked its way into my art. The skeletons came from my own connection of war and death.
1/3 Major Minor '12
One of the first things my friends who come to my parents house typically say to me is, "This explains you." What they mean by that is, my parents house is highly decorated with antiques and bright colors chosen by my creative mother. Every time we moved to new a house, my mother became more and more creative with her interior decorating. Over time, antiquing became a family hobby and there are now items such as wooden shutters, glassware, a fire hydrant, a wooden pillar, door knockers and hingers strategically placed around my parents home. Each room has its own unique color that lends itself to the color of the walls in the next room. To give you a taste, the dining room is plum, the living room is light blue, the kitchen is a mild light green and the downstairs bathroom is a feverish pink. Recently, I have found myself fascinated with colors and color theory. My parents house was built 2 years ago and has been the most colorful one yet. I now see the connection between my art with bright colors and my use of antique items for collages and my upbringing.
Collage #17
2010
This discovery is interesting to me because now that I have grasped a few roots of the inspiration to my art, I am now inspired to make more art with these themes as sort of an homage to my sources of innovation.
