Artist Statement

I create artworks as a means to problem-solve or comment upon issues of the everyday; such as social interactions, language or being an artist. Whether making observations about the art-institute, being a foreigner or marketing language, I respond to each situation in a straightforward but self-deprecating manner. Currently I am working on smaller, contained projects - a reflection of the current economy and my ever-lasting desire for less stuff in my life.

Biography

Born in Manchester England, I spent nine years living and working in Munich, Germany prior to moving to northern California. These international moves and my background in international project management are the fodder for my interest in language and cultural exchanges. I received my MFA in photography from San Jose State University in 2007 and I currently work with photography, video and performance. I am assistant professor for photography at Oregon State University.

I Like Photography

I like everything about photography: I like its serial nature in that you have to take picture #1 before picture #2. I like the technical constraints - motion blur can be a good thing and double exposures bring surprise. I like that photography gives me an awareness of light - if I watch light hitting any object at just the right angle I start framing the scene with my hands if no camera is present. And I like my photographic predecessors and I pay homage to their spaces - as can be seen below:

Julia at Ansel Adams darkroom in Yosemite

Julia in Edward Weston's Darkroom, near Point Lobos, California