My work involves forms derived from images developed using found, handwritten signatures (as well as my own handwriting). I use the individual letters from the signatures as unique line elements in building a constructed, drawn image. Then I use this re-configured image in compositions with various techniques and rendering of the form to make the final pieces.
Each person's handwriting and signature is unique and contains a bit of one's personality. As I make the constructed images, I find that the letters continue to exhibit uniqueness, no matter the configuration or composition. If a person's handwriting is loopy with lots of curves, the image developed will have a roundness and naturalistic look. If it is spiky and cramped, those details are carried over and the images are more active and jagged.
After working with various incarnations of the handwriting, using the found letters as a purely linear element, I found that the silhouette (form) of the configuration made a very interesting figure, that still holds some semblance of the original handwriting in parts of the design, but is more open and able to be used without specific interpretation being needed. I use these 'forms' as the images in my newest works, re-orienting them and pairing them to make a 'one against the other' type of composition. Various techniques are used in development of the work to create a specific quality in the composition and figures.
The interest in found histories, collecting, archiving and re-thinking of the use of collage elements are evident in the work. Conceiving of the figures as symbol, emblem or rebuilt language gives me ample paths to pursue in future work.