Exhibition Statement

This show is composed of two bodies of work completed over the last 2 years: illuminated letters and intaglio prints.

The 26 illuminated letters 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.

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 and Bible stories 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.

Artist Bio

My journey as an artist started at a young age. As long as I can remember, I have always felt a need to draw. With the encouragement of my family and teachers, I decided to pursue a career in the arts. I received my B.F.A. in Printmaking and Graphic Design in 1990, studying printmaking under Dan Kirchefer. I worked in the Emporia State University Marketing and Media Relations office as a graphic designer for 18 years. During this time, I taught a variety of classes on a part-time basis including 5-12 grade art, continuing education courses on graphic design, and digital images courses for the Department of Art at ESU. In 2010, I received my M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University. I joined the Flint Hills Technical College faculty in 2011, developing the multimedia program for seven years, and teaching in the graphic arts program for the 2018-2019 academic year. In the fall of 2019, I joined the ESU Department of Art faculty as an assistant professor, focusing on graphic design.

I also maintain a free-lance graphic design/multimedia development business, Fatfly Design. Recent work includes work for Project Playscape, Flint Hills Gravel, Gravel City Adventure and Supply Co., Dirty Kanza Promotions, Emporia Main Street, Mohn Standard, Pratt Industries, Kansasworks, and producing a documentary titled A Welsh Farmstead: The Howe Family from 1858. Most of these projects are for organizations who share the common goal of building a better community.

Recent research has focused on drawing