Women's Declaration - Artist Statement

Topography concepts acquire symbolic resonance.

     The foundation of these paintings are marine charts of the West Coast, where I live.
The islands and bays are all familiar to me, both from the water and land. I felt that it was
important to do work that addressed the fact of our separate geographical locations and at
the same time the similarities that all artists share.

     A marine chart acts as an aid to navigation. It is a miniature representation on a plane
surface of certain portions of the Earth's surface plotted according to definite systems of
projection. They include an outline of adjacent lands and show depths of water,
the location of obstructions, dangerous areas and the parallels of latitude and longitude.
We are dependant upon accurate charts in navigating unfamiliar waters. The nautical chart
can convey to its user much or little, depending on the extent of her understanding of the
symbols which indicate a rock here, a wreck there, safe deep water, all marked with
beacons and buoys. It tells us what is below the surface.
          It is dangerous for a navigator to rely on her memory.
          A chart expresses human intervention on the physical world.

     As an artist I am free to create my own world out of my imagination, I draw my own
boundaries. I survey thoughts, emotions and experiences, evoking the journey of life.
The legend of my map would include pleasure, stimulation, chaos, secrets and change.

     I have manipulated these marine charts to impose my own order. Some areas I have
completely blocked out, others I have reconfigured and placed my own symbols.
I have drawn my own boundaries. I have used acrylic paints, oil stick, wax, inks and
graphite. The surface has been treated with rusting and crackle mediums and I have
applied photo transfers and dress patterns.