Moving Targets, 2013-15

Moving Targets marked the 2014 centenary of the extinction of the passenger pigeon, the most abundant bird in North America that was hunted to extinction within a period of 40 years. The exhibition parallels the plight of the pigeon with the artists’ maternal forbears and their flight and relocation to North America.  Works in the installation include collage, wood box paintings, maps and photos to tell the story of migration, loss, and survival. Collaboration with Steffi Domike.

Flight and Nesting (Map), 2013-14

One of two “maps” representing the migration of passenger pigeons (pictured) and our families. Textured areas denote the nesting range of the birds.

MovingTargets (detail)

Great Lakes section detail: Railroad map with beech leaves, twigs, and pigeon skins (one of the few photographs of the time period).

Moving Targets (details)

Beechnut botanical study (left); Beech forest (right).

Watermark, 2011

Watermark explores how animal and human bodies have been marked over time by our relationship to land and water. The installation is comprised of four digitally printed canvas panels that are enhanced with acrylic paint and water. Each panel provides a snapshot of resource extraction and its impact on water resources from logging, coal mining, oil drilling, and most recently, hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Collaboration with Steffi Domike.

Watermark: Wood & Coal

Imagery was comprised of photographs taken by the artists in locations in Allegheny County (arial photograph in Coal purchased and reproduced with permission).

Carbon Café, 2007-09

This project links the transport of food to climate change. An inverted food pyramid divided into three food zones contrasts local, national, and international foods available in local markets. Jars filled with charcoal suggest the percentages of carbon expended for each zone. A menu handout lists dishes offered with carbon miles expended in place of prices. Collaboration with Steffi Domike.

Tree: The Numazu Suite, 2005

Inspired by the rich history of the pine forests near Numazu, "Tree" considers how trees are used as a resource by both humans and nature. The work consists of a series of relief print scrolls (three diptychs) complemented by smaller digital prints combining the original iconography with text. The exhibition is intended as a meditation and reflection on the complex interconnections between culture and nature, and between consumption and sustainability. In collaboration with Stephen Moore.

Tree: The Numazu Suite, 2005

River Vernacular, 2003-04

Inspired by the Hudson River Museum’s historic postcard collection, each of eight oversized postcards interprets the social and natural histories of Yonkers, NY in relation to the Saw Mill and Hudson Rivers. Cotton cloth was soaked in the river adjacent to where each photograph was taken, mapping the health of the Saw Mill as it flows into the Hudson. Commissioned for "Imaging the River, " curated by Amy Lipton. Collaboration with Steffi Domike.

Smith Carpet Company Postcard

The Smith Carpet Company exemplifies the rebirth of this industrial factory, which served the community for many years and has now been reclaimed for small businesses and artist studios.