Edward Tick writes that America’s veterans are denied connection to their communities and the basic rituals that are needed for reintegration into society following military service. This ritual requires sharing the burdens of the veteran with their community through story. Art can serve as this much-need ritual lacking in our modern military. Art is a means for storytelling. Veterans not only need other veterans, they also need their communities. This exhibit bridges the gap between civilian and military communities in order to foster compassion and understanding.
The artwork of About Face is installed within a constructed setting of a home. The artwork was created using photography and papermaking processes. The handmade rag paper is created from military uniforms, known in the veteran-artist community as "Combat Paper”, combined with baby clothes. About Face explores the complexities and contradictions of family and identity in post 9/11 daily military life.
This exhibit is an awakening to the fact that war lingers and haunts the community upon which the veteran returns, even when that society does not to notice these phantoms. The exhibit offers a space for open communication and welcomes all who are willing to bear witness. This work serves as a voice for those who too often remain silent.
S- altering his portrait with a pocket knife. The photograph was printed onto pictorico, and then scanned. It was printed onto handmade rag paper that was prepped with InkAid and ironed using a Epson inkjet printer. The handmade rag paper is created from
S- altering his portrait with a pocket knife. The photograph was printed onto pictorico, and then scanned. It was printed onto handmade rag paper that was prepped with InkAid and ironed using a Epson inkjet printer. The handmade rag paper is created from
Process images of creating "Combat Paper" at Penland School of Crafts in January 2015. Combat Paper is handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms. I've combined the uniforms with baby clothes to create this paper. Dimensions: 17"x22"
Process image of creating "Combat Paper" at Penland School of Crafts in January 2015. Combat Paper is handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms. I've combined the uniforms with baby clothes to create this paper. Dimensions: 17"x22"
Process images of creating "Combat Paper" at Penland School of Crafts in January 2015. Combat Paper is handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms. I've combined the uniforms with baby clothes to create this paper. Dimensions: 17"x22"
Process images of creating "Combat Paper" at Penland School of Crafts in January 2015. Combat Paper is handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms. I've combined the uniforms with baby clothes to create this paper. Dimensions: 17"x22"
Combat Paper is handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms. I've combined the uniforms with baby clothes to create this paper.
Torn, creased handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Entry to installation. Handmade paper in installation is created from created from military uniforms and baby clothes, known as Combat Paper.
Paper cast of bullet, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close-up photograph of paper cast of bullet, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper cast of pain pills, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close-up photograph of paper cast of pain pills, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Altered portrait - Photograph printed on pictorico, then altered by subject by scratching with a pocket knife, scanned and then printed via inkjet onto handmade paper. Handmade paper is created from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close-up of Altered portrait - Photograph printed on pictorico, then altered by subject by scratching with a pocket knife, scanned and then printed via inkjet onto handmade paper. Handmade paper is created from military uniforms and baby clothes
Altered self-portrait - Printed on pictorico, altered with rubbing and scratching with steel wool, drawn on with litho pencil, scanned and then printed via inkjet onto handmade paper. Handmade paper is created from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed close-up image of altered self-portrait - Printed on pictorico, altered with rubbing and scratching with steel wool, drawn on with litho pencil, scanned and then printed via inkjet onto handmade paper. Handmade paper is created from military unif
Paper cast of beer caps, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close up photograph of Paper cast of beer caps, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Side two of "Skin"
Detailed, close-up photograph of torn, creased handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Entry to installation, from inside looking out into gallery. Handmade paper in installation is created from created from military uniforms and baby clothes, known as Combat Paper.
