MEMORY IN TEXTURE
A multi-year exploration of memory held within surfaces, Memory in Texture engaged historic buildings, rescued artefacts, and architectural ornament gathered from cultural institutions, private collections, and heritage sites. Using graphite, wax, and paper, the project captured the physical traces of places and objects; some preserved, some endangered, some already lost to demolition.
Through the act of rubbing, each surface became a matrix of remembrance. Certain impressions remained untouched, others were refined or transformed through processes inspired by Max Ernst's frottage. These works bridge past and present, allowing history to emerge through texture, imprint, and material presence.
The Manhattan Grille, Graphite Rubbing, 2023. These rubbing were taken from an elevator grille ironwork piece salvaged from the Manhattan Building in Chicago built in 1886.
Triptych No. 111222.1, Graphite on Paper, 2023, 24 x 54 inches.
Diptych No. 133317.1, Graphite on Paper, 2023
Dawson Ironwork, Manipulated Graphite Rubbing, 2023. These graphite rubbings were taken from a small piece from a 1890's fireplace.
No. 17 Stock Exchange, Graphite on Paper, 2023. Rubbing taken from a Louis Sullivan designed staircase raiser fragment from the former Chicago Stock Exchange Building.
Fisher Building Fragment, Graphite Rubbing, 12 x 9 inches, 2023.
Louis Sullivan Ironwork Rubbing, Manipulated Graphite Rubbing, 2023.
Dawson Ironwork II, Manipulated Graphite Rubbing, 2023. These graphite rubbings were taken from a hood of an 1890's fireplace.
Sidewalk, Manipulated Graphite Rubbing, 2023. Graphite Rubbing of a sidewalk fragment by architect Edgar Miller.
N9. 281019.5, Manipulated Graphite Rubbing, 2023.
Collection of Rubbings, Manipulated Graphite, 2023 - Present. Surfaces taken from Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, skyscraper facades, staircases, hardware, and fireplaces.
