The Artist discusses the work in Mud and Ashes, his Master of Fine Arts exhibition held at Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, from March 28 to April 1, 2005. The exhibition mark a turning point in the artist's work, occupying a beginning place as he completes his graduate career. The work consists of fifteen paintings and one sculptural installation. The paintings are on paper and employ local materials such as red clay, pollen, and beeswax along with traditional artist's materials such as oil and charcoal. Fire and a power sander have also been used as drawing tools. Each painting is 22 x 22 inches square and hangs Directly on the wall, unmounted and unframed.
Topics discussed include the artist's development and work leading up to and including the exhibition works; the influences of Sung Dynasty Chinese landscape painting, Zen Buddhism, aboriginal art, nature, myth and ritual; the influences of artists Montien Boonma, Paul Cezanne, Jim Dine, Andy Goldsworthy, Morris Graves, Brice the Marden, Georgio Morandi, Kiki Smith, Mark Tobey, and Cy Twombly; and the influences of composer John Cage and poet Gary Snyder.
Included are images of the artist's earlier work as well as a complete catalogue of the Mud and Ashes exhibition.
