U N T I T L E D A P P R O P R I A T I O N
UNTITLED APPROPRIATION is a series of work that is focused on creating work on top of mass produced, mass manufactured products that imitate or render the "Native American" theme and /or motif. The design patterns found on these products (including but not limited to: blankets, fabrics, tee shirts, published and printed materials) are familiar in many different textiles, baskets, and pottery used by many tribes, including Navajo. Manufacturers have adopted and/ or appropriated these design patterns and have been using them for countless years. These paintings are painted on top of the polyester fleece blankets that one would be able to find at a flea market on any reservation and reservation border town. There is an abundant supply of these curio type reproductions. These mounted blankets are combined with an abstract expressionistic style of painting. The inspiration for the painting process stems from a sense of graffiti, several forms of street art, and the multi layered, aged application of vandalism. This process of street art and the cycle of a surface being worked and removed and then only to have art reapplied is very intriguing. Combing this type of work with the natural cycle that at the artwork endures from the elements, it is intriguing to me to merge design and expressionistic mark making. I am inspired by the act and the idea of graffiti more so than in any one specific kind of work. By appropriating these different "Native American" design patterned goods into my artwork, I have control to alter and/or "vandalize" to my liking. The act of reclaiming these products is essential.