Illuminated

P.E.O. Foundation Gallery

Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts

Cottey College

Nevada, Missouri

January 9 – February 16, 2023

The works in this show are heavily influenced by illuminated medieval manuscripts, bestiaries, Bible stories, Christianity, altar pieces, stained glass windows, and church interiors.

As a graphic designer, I have a love for typography, and the illuminated letters are an attempt to combine my graphic design and artistic interests.

The drawings are an exploration of color, pattern, calligraphy, and Celtic knots.

Recently, I learned how to engrave, allowing me to return to intaglio printmaking, a process I had not explored for many years. The images are inspired by the Book of Kells, Bible stories, and other common themes found in illuminated manuscripts, with a touch of contemporary satire.

Artist Statement

As I reach the middle to later parts of my life, I spend more time thinking about the big questions in life. Why am I here, how did I get here, what influences made me who I am today, and what do I want to do with my life? My upbringing was typical Midwestern, middle class, Christian (specifically Catholic), conservative, safe, and comfortable, within a loving family of six.

The concept of “faith” has always been challenging for me. I tend to question and over analyze everything, seeking other plausible explanations. My work is an examination of my thoughts on these subjects, attempting to convey my struggles, confusion, guilt, and ongoing search to find answers. The images are not intended offend, or be irreverent, but illustrate these topics as I currently see them. I have no answers, only questions and theories.

A with Saint | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
Renaissance White Vine Inspired D | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
Saint George's Dragon v2 | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
14th Century Italian Inspired J | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.75" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
M | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 5.25" x 5.25" | 2022
P | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.5" x 4.5" | 2022 | SOLD
S | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2022
V | Ink Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.125" x 4.125" | 2022
Y | Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3" x 4" | 2022
Hand colored intaglio print of a bird with a halo
apocalypse I color web
B | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.5" x 4.5" | 2022 | SOLD
Ottonian Inspired E | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.25" x 4" | 2021
H with Knight Fighting a Snail | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
9th Century Inspired K | Ink, Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.25" x 4.25" | 2021
Nightingale | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2022 | SOLD
Devil's Tongue Q | Ink, Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.75" x 3.75" | 2021
T v2 | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.75" x 5" | 2021
9th Century Inspired W v2 | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.75" x 3.5" | 2021
Z | Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2022 | SOLD
St. Anthony's Swine Plays Dress-Up v1 | Hand Colored Intaglio | 4" x 7.25" | 2022
lamb color web
Hand colored intaglio of an illuminated letter f with a dog and rabbit holding a sword
Clematis Nelly Moser | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
14th Century Italian Inspired F | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
I | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.125" x 4.25" | 2022
L | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2022
10th Century Ottonian Inspired O | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
9th Century Inspired R v2 | Ink and Gold Leaf on Vellum | 5.75" x 5.5" | 2022 | SOLD
Renaissance White Vine Inspired U | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
X | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4.5" x 4.5" | 2022
Celtic Knot | Ink on Paper | 3.375" x 3.375" | 2022
Marcus v1 | Hand Colored Intaglio | 4" x 8" | 2022
misfortune final web
Bite Your Tongue | Hand Colored Intaglio | 4" x 6" | 2022
Revelation left 111921
Voices in My Head – Self Portrait as a Goat | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 7.125" x 10.25" | 2022
Two Head Celtic Knot 2 | Ink on Paper | 2.5" x 5.5" | 2022 | SOLD
Sawfish | 2-Page Spread | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 12" x 9" | 2021
Revelation right 111921
Crucifix I | Graphite on Paper | 8" x 10" | 2022