Artist's Statement

I am a life-long Kansan originally from Salina but now living in Lawrence where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Kansas. As a painter for many years, I have worked in a variety of media including pastel, acrylic and oil, as well as printmaking processes like lithography and monoprinting.

Recently, I have been combining these techniques in the form of collage using found objects such as wood, stones, bones and shells that may be affixed to a painted background or to a piece of handmade paper. Attaching objects to the paper with linen cord serves a practical purpose, and at the same time, the exposed hand-stitching becomes a design element and adds a desirable texture to the piece.

The initial inspiration for my art is place, whether known or new to me. I am fascinated with ancient cultures and have visited many important Native American sites in the Southwest and the Midwest. I always explore the history of the place when I am there and images and meanings of the visit soon appear in my work when I return to the studio.

My inspiration frequently comes from the land of my native state, particularly the subtle prairie contours and glorious skies. I have used these elements as either principal subject matter or as metaphors for the mysterious, inner landscape of the unconscious.

My ideas are also sparked by an interest in how myths, symbols and art forms of early cultures are linked to archetypal imagery. For example, in The Secret of Sun Mountain and Sun Mountain I refer to the literal meaning of my Scandinavian family name, but the symbols painted there are reminiscent of primitive rock carvings. These petroglyphs often seem very familiar to me and certain shapes and marks, such as spirals, and sun and moon symbols appear in the art of cultures all over the world. As modern people we may think we have original ideas and imagery, but we are inevitably linked to our unknown ancestors by these archetypal shapes and forms.

Photo by: Melinda Jarvis Borchert

Biography

Exhibition Record

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