​FROM THE ARTIST:

The pandemic proved to be a very fruitful time for my creative output. I was quite fascinated with how people looked while wearing their masks. I would ask them to pose for me and then turn those images into monotypes at the print studio, Studio 6000, here in Sisters. I did a portrait a day for 4 months. I would also interview these people to find out how the pandemic was affecting them. These images and stories were then turned into my book, Pandemic Portraits.

 

When the vaccine came out the world of touch returned. We could all hug again! So, that gave me the idea to ask people to hug for me. As the virus morphed, the hug idea changed to self-hugs, hugs of grief and objects and animals we love to hug. All these images were made into another book called HUG.

 

Working with a monotype is a one-shot deal. I roll ink over a large piece of plexiglass, place this on a light table and, while looking at a photograph, begin to remove the white areas. To do this I use a variety of tools: pieces of cardboard, q-tips, cotton balls and steel wool. When the image looks like it’s done, I place it on the bed of the press with a piece of printing paper on top, cover that with a few more pieces of paper and then run it through the press. To do one portrait can take me 3 - 7 hours depending on a number of variables. 

 

Producing these images and books was the first time I’ve really used my art as a reflection of what was happening in our contemporary society. Also, most of the people who posed for me were from Central Oregon, so it was a great way for me to incorporate my work as an artist within the local community.