Artist Statement: 

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My S.A.M.O: "Say America More Often" arose from the melding of two parallel projects of mine. The writing used to highlight the images came from a poem I had written upon my return from a summer trip through Europe. Struck by the differences in the national characters of the countries I visited (Spain, France, and Switzerland) I began to contemplate my own national identity. Armed with a film camera, I captured images throughout my trip, pulling sentiments from my own internal and physical exploration of the countries. I also pulled inspiration from a Basquiat exhibition at the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain I had the privilege of viewing. Upon returning and ruminating on my works, I decided to merge them as it became clear to me that they complemented each other in idea and emotion.

 

Through photography and writing, I am exploring concepts of anxiety in our nation due to our complex national character as “Americans”. Angst due to youth - but more importantly, angst due to the American Dream and the complex dichotomies associated with it. How does one mobilize upwards within the constructs of our society? Is it possible? Are we alone as individuals in our struggles to become “whole” and “achieved”? These are the questions I try to answer in my art form.