I recently got some mats back from the frame shop.

I must say, I was underwhelmed to say the least - two of the mats were 1/8 of an inch too big (overall) while two of the backing boards were too small by (you guessed it) 1/8 of an inch. Now I know that its never absolutley dead on - I expect about a 1/32 of an inch difference. (I just read that and I know it sounds nit-picky)

But it got me thinking, some artist have "craft" coming out of there ears, while others work barely hangs on the wall (or sits on the floor). Is this something that really matters? My guess is that craft oriented people will scream YES! while the non-crafter will say NO! and I will no doubt hear the "its the idea that matters" comment. I'd like to think my craft is strong, but I never feel that it is strong enough - is this something I strive for like being happy about my work or is this just caring about my work?

I've always come from the "idea presented properly" school, so I'm always paranoid about this kind of stuff.

Without a doubt, Robert Smithson is my favorite of all of the "EarthWorks" artists. Currently showing at the Whitney, Smithson is about far more than "Spiral Jetty". In A Provisional Theory of Non-Sites Smithson creates a theory of indoor site works - playing this against two and three dimensional images that represent a site say in New Jersey but shown in a gallery anywhere (a non-site). It is the understanding of distance and place that can become the metaphor of the work actually subverting (my word) the original intent of the piece. He then finishes this with this small nugget...

"This little theory is tentative and could be abandoned at any time. Theories like things are also abandoned. That theories are eternal is doubtful. Vanished theories compose the strata of many forgotten books."

I believe that this thought - that theory can be tentative - is a huge leap in thinking about art, frankly I see it as freeing the artist and at the same time not allowing critical thought to be forced down a single path. Just my take, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thought I would share this image (more to come) from a photo series I've been working on for the last year or so. The series is called "The Last Great Seaside Slum" and is based on the vanishing DIY culture of the eastern seaboard - specifically from Atlantic City, NJ to Ocean City, MD.

A few images are showing up in selected group shows this summer, if your in Frederick, Maryland or New York City this summer check back and I'll keep you updated on the show information.

Question: Are we in danger of losing our freedom of expression simply by using it?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

My work is about everything and nothing at the same time.

The images are deeply concerned with approaching the specific from the general. My desire is to take advantage of iconic imagery to obliquely express my personal narrative while still offering the viewer a shared experience that allows for multiple readings. This open ended approach is core to the images I create. The subjects themselves - houses, clouds, maps, etc. are iconic in nature and non specific in general. They are images that I have been interested in for most of my life and have been reoccurring subjects throughout my art. These subjects are handled with the same approach as the painting - a non-specific exactness.

This blog will be not so much a discussion of my work, but hopefully it will be more about art I'm interested in with occasional thoughts and announcements about my own work.

Look for updates about 2 - 3 times a week.