I have lived in urban environments my entire adult life, after growing up in a suburb. Cities have attracted me for their density, variety, their layered contradictions...there is never enough to give me a definite understanding of my immediate environm ent.

Living within Philadelphia's dichotomous landscape, I am compelled to explore the confluence of visual hypocrisies I sense in my everyday navigations from both observation and memory. Nature creeps into unwanted territory as construction blocks it out section by section. The bands of color and debris from construction sites and wastelands become intertwined with established, seasoned cityscape. Barbed wire and vines curve together to create a new dynamic with visual sarcasm.

I question the possibility of clear meaning while emphasizing the overwhelming nature of an endless flurry of visual snippets. A silhouette of a blue tarp can become a vibrant colored square rather than mundane construction material; highlights from an upturned building add energy rather than depicting gloom. I intentionally combine perspectives and locations to merge visual input with mental imprint.

The multi-layered, multiple spaces which I create are a reflection of the way I make sense of vision and memory as an urban resident. The instability inherent in the continuously shifting ground within urban spaces provokes the explosive, disrupted spaces that result in my drawings.

born: 1975, Philadelphia, PA

education

Tyler School of Art, MFA in Painting, 2003
Sydney College of the Arts, MSA in Painting, 2000
Carnegie Mellon University, BFA in Art, 1997

selected awards/honors

Honorable Mention, 23rd International Juried Exhibition, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 2009
University Fellowship, Temple University, 2002-2003
High Distinctions, Sydney College of the Arts, 2000

selected publications

New American Paintings Issue #81, juror : George Kinghorn; April 2009
Philadelphia Weekly, 12/22/2004 : "Editor's Pick : Junto", Roberta Fallon, Philadelphia, PA, 2004
Philadelphia Weekly, 6/30/2004 : "Young at Art", Roberta Fallon, Philadelphia, PA, 2004

selected solo or two-person exhibits

Abington Art Center : Solo Series 2009, curated by Sue Spaid, Jenkintown, PA, 2009
Painted Bride Art Center : Urban Reef, curated by Sean Stoops/Inliquid, Philadelphia, PA, 2008
University City Arts League : Instability, Philadelphia, PA, 2004

selected group shows

The Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts : Crossing Lines,curated by Darsie Alexander,  Wilmginton, DE, 2009
Main Line Art Center : Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition, curated by William Pym, Haverford, PA,  2008
Arcadia University : Works on Paper 2006, curated by Cornelia Butler, Glenside, PA,  2006
Moore College of Art  Paley Gallery : Philadelphia Selections : 5, curated by Brian Wallace, Philadelphia PA, 2004