I had my second solo art show in December 2023 at the David A. Howe library. I titled the show "Monophobia & Monophilia: to fear and to love being alone".
As I began gathering concepts for what this show would be about I realized that much of my work is directly about or included undertones of the human experience of loneliness. As an introvert and someone who loves to spend time alone, I was interested in exploring why sometimes solitude is rejuvenating and at other times it is oppressive. What makes someone feel alone in a crowded room? What makes someone feel communal when faced with a vast expanse of the wild? Many of the pieces in the show also explore the poignant loneliness felt at the loss of a loved one- through death or separation.
The show centerpieces are large-scale oil paintings (around 4x5ft) and a 3x4ft acrylic paint and collage piece. I also included a wall of a collection of many small pieces created in a wide variety of mediums from written poetry, pastel drawings, watercolor paintings, woodcut prints, and abstract scan art. The show also included two experimental video art pieces that were displayed only during the opening reception (see Vertigo & Caligo: https://burnsnm.myportfolio.com/vertigo-caligo). I designed my own poster for the show and installed the work myself (with a few helping hands).
