Objects both utilitarian and aesthetic play important roles in our daily lives. The acts of creating, collecting, and interaction provide avenues for introspection, conversations with others, and the discovery of larger truths. These works explore the historical engagement with objects and the present issues regarding them.

        In regards to the objects that influence this practice, the subjects at their core include nature, conservation, technology, geometry, scientific fields and theories, space, science fiction, and human discovery. Institutions like museums inform many of these projects. Museums amass collections that enrich our culture in various ways, they include encapsulating history, exposing the public to new concepts,  and acting as gathering places where individuals can engage in dialogues. Museums have functioned as a direct influence on my personal collection and art practice.

      Through the manipulation of objects and collections, I hope to create thoughtful narratives that bring attention to the history of sciences, how they relate to nature, the human condition, and how as technology progresses we can be mindful of our environment. Regarding the environment, natural spaces especially mountains, woods, and lakes are very important to me. Growing up on Long Island, N.Y., a flat, densely populated, spit of suburbia, has left me romanticizing the vaster, wooded, more topographically interesting places. In recent projects this is made evident through dioramas and material choices. These miniatures are depictions of green spaces that account relatable engagements with the outdoors: events like thunderstorms, and excursions like hike and camping trips. The exteriors of these miniatures are clad in rough hewn and reclaimed wood while the interiors also include specimens and curios from my own collection. 

      Professional influences on this work include architect, futurist, and philosopher R. Buckminster Fuller. His papers on conservation of natural resources as well as his geometric designs inform these sculptures immensely. The works of Artists like Mark Dion, David Wilson, and Fred Wilson, also inform these works. The subjects that concern these artists are museums, collections, science, and discovery as well as the concept of art as a vehicle of science. The perpetuation of knowledge coupled with an undertone of conservation is central to this genre of art. 

      Attention to the Earth and its people is paramount in this age. Our populations have put strain on our resources and our practices have put the future health of our planet at risk. As a species we must find ways to minimize our impact on the environment. Some present solutions include better utilization of renewable resources, energy, and recycled / repurposed materials. Capitalizing on wasteful industries has been beneficial to a number of these projects. Being involved in construction has allowed me to incorporate material that would have otherwise been sent to landfills making along with sculptures, utilitarian pieces such as furniture and light fixtures.

To sum up, these ongoing projects with objects explore our relationship with the planet as discoverers, preservationists, and stewards. Through making we discover our expressions, ourselves, and our world. As preservationists we take what is good, bad, natural, and cultural and keep it for future generations to learn from. And as stewards it is our responsibility to keep this planet healthy.