In a current body of work entitled, “Intruders in the Garden” I have been exploring the metaphor of landscape as a means to understand and cope with the disparity between the internal “landscape” of self (microcosm) and the macrocosm of the external world in which we all must live and function. A lidded porcelain lunchbox with golden staples entitled “Portion Control” becomes a souvenir of consumption and body image. The figures explore the theme of “shelter”: the protective layers we create for healing and refuge and the aspects of self that are revealed and left venerable. The larger objects depicted are intended as garden seats, creating opportunities for rest and reflection on individual themes such as the over consumption of our natural resources, our inability to remain fully present to each moment, and self acceptance.
