Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Access Controlled Thesis

Department

Art

First Advisor

Stephen Clark

Abstract

Artist Statement:

“Side of the Road” is a body of work about the local area and the places and objects I’m drawn to while driving. I aim to form a connection with Upstate New York, repurposing the elements that shape my visual and emotional experience into paintings that, in turn, mark moments in my life—similar to journal entries. These mostly medium-sized paintings are rooted in plein air practice. I drive, find an interesting subject, pull over, set up my gear, and begin working. In some cases, instead of painting on-site, I take a photograph and bring it back to the studio to develop. I work with quick, intuitive boldness in the application and layering of paint, almost like sketching. This approach transforms the initial subject, revealing previously unperceived aspects of objects and spaces. By painting the world around me, I form a personal connection with it. Sometimes I paint things I pass every day; and so they have become landmarks in my day to day life that hold real significance. These human-made remnants that mark the land carry a strong sense of personality and history, and through this work I aim to appreciate, document, deconstruct, and uncover something new.

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