My work has progressed over the years to present itself as highly conceptual in many ways. I found that the process of art making has developed its own importance through my work more so than the finished product. My artwork consists of large format photography, film, multimedia installations, and artistic performances. I strongly believe that I must create art in the medium it is best expressed, not necessarily in my particular skill or trade. To compromise my work in such a way would hinder its creation.
I generally explore the unexplained in my life. The viewer will find examinations of identity, self-projection, the gaze, therapeutic processes, fortune, control, truth, and manipulation. Many of my photographs are presented in life size so that the viewer may step into the intimate space I create. Furthermore, to achieve the same sensation, my performances and multimedia installations provide viewer participation, heightening their relationship and understanding of the work. The works of Matt Mullican and Mark Dion are a large influence on my artistic process due to its scientific documentation and execution. I find that the process of art making can sometimes portray the concept better that the finished product, the very ideas of both Mullican and Dion. Thomas Struth and Jeff Wall also influence me for their use of portraiture within their body of work. Similar to these great photographers, I challenge the relationships of viewing and being viewed.
My artistic process is a long and mostly structured experience. I participate, absorb, and analyze everything I can in order to create my work. I expect my audience to get a better understanding of who they are through the experience of viewing my artwork. I attempt to challenge space and different institutions in hopes for the viewer to draw their own conclusion and familiarity from my artistic perspective. Not only do I consider myself an artist but I also attempt to express understanding to the viewer through other means, whether it is artist as scientist, curator, therapist, or architect.
I would like to contact Christopher Reynolds at crey01@aol.com
Over the past year, my sculptural work has taken a turn into the realm of self-reflection and identification Š namely, I have started to create work of art that I consider to be self-portraits, although I donÕt necessarily intend upon others viewing my work as such. I leave room for personal consideration by the viewer of the nature of my work because I intend to keep the strong visual link between myself as the artist and the actual pieces of art less important to outsiders than a separate meaning of the work. What I hope to be taken from my pieces in terms of meaning and interpretation by the viewer are ideas of implied relationships, not only within the pieces but also between the piece and the viewer, as well as the idea of dependence.
I have also recently begun studying the concept of memory and the myths associated with it, as well as the ideas of memory substitution, connection, and loss. My exploration of these topics is based on a need for explanation outside of the scientific realm - outside the textbook understanding of "how things work."
I would like to contact Joanna Oster at Joanna.oster@gmail.com
Susan grew up in Shadow Hills, California and it is there that she first started painting. Coming from three generations of artists, Susan was continually drawing as a child, which eventually led to her interest in oil painting. She started studying art and completed her first painting at age 10.
Growing up in rural surroundings, Susan has always had a love of nature, rolling hills and open spaces, which are reflected in many of her paintings. "It is rewarding to capture and share the feelings and inspiration I get from beautiful scenery and to create paintings and murals." Susan also enjoys experimenting and working from her imagination.
Having worked as a court reporter before becoming a full-time artist, Susan says that the skills learned in court reporting have helped her to fine tune her skills in art. While the two careers may seem very different, paying close attention to detail is the common thread. Susan is currently a member of the Orange County Fine Arts and Dana Point Coastal Arts Associations and has been juried into several shows and exhibits in the Orange County area, most recently the 2005 Orange County Fair and "Art In Motif" at the St. Regis Hotel.
