Sea Change, a series of screen prints inspired by the Persian Sea, 2023
My studio practice is the direct result of my explorations, investigations, and research.
In 2021, I moved to Qatar, a small desert peninsula surrounded by the Persian Sea. In order to digest my surroundings, I explore the landscape, draw from observation and conduct research. At the seaside, I wade out into the tranquil shallow saltwater and kayak in the mangroves. These waters are home to corals, fish, snails, mollusks, sea anemones, jellyfish, turtles, dolphins and sharks. At the National Museum, I research the biodiversity of the Gulf region, its fragility and complexity. I have learned that overfishing and water pollution have put many of these sea creatures at risk of extinction. Despite the region's history of fishing and dependance on the sea, the effects of pollution on the environment are underdeveloped.
In my studio, I transform my research and observational drawings into experimental prints. The patterns, textures, and shapes are pulled from the sea coral colonies, desert crystals, and mollusk fossils. I juxtapose these textures with pools of oil, dried mud cracks and reflections of light in water to create dialog around my environmental concerns. The overlapping of these patterns during the printing process creates texture, variety, unity, and balance. The slow process of printmaking allows me to meditate and reflect on the imagery, built conceptual intention. My goal is to create dialog around the fragile sea life and changing ecosystems here in the Gulf region.
In 2021, I moved to Qatar, a small desert peninsula surrounded by the Persian Sea. In order to digest my surroundings, I explore the landscape, draw from observation and conduct research. At the seaside, I wade out into the tranquil shallow saltwater and kayak in the mangroves. These waters are home to corals, fish, snails, mollusks, sea anemones, jellyfish, turtles, dolphins and sharks. At the National Museum, I research the biodiversity of the Gulf region, its fragility and complexity. I have learned that overfishing and water pollution have put many of these sea creatures at risk of extinction. Despite the region's history of fishing and dependance on the sea, the effects of pollution on the environment are underdeveloped.
In my studio, I transform my research and observational drawings into experimental prints. The patterns, textures, and shapes are pulled from the sea coral colonies, desert crystals, and mollusk fossils. I juxtapose these textures with pools of oil, dried mud cracks and reflections of light in water to create dialog around my environmental concerns. The overlapping of these patterns during the printing process creates texture, variety, unity, and balance. The slow process of printmaking allows me to meditate and reflect on the imagery, built conceptual intention. My goal is to create dialog around the fragile sea life and changing ecosystems here in the Gulf region.