Click on an image to enlarge
Branded: In Formation
The Branded series explores niche tattoo subcultures within #America .
Tattoos are personal choice, yet political in that they are a deliberate branding; in which we publicly state our commitments (and give free advertising to) brands, fads, and cultural iconography.
For these works, images of tattoos have been collected online using hashtags (which become the title of the artwork), and then curated into categorical groupings, and transferred onto sheepskin.
By using quilting, I am reclaiming a craft previously associated with domestic femininity, to explore changing culture of gender and identity.
Tattoos are personal choice, yet political in that they are a deliberate branding; in which we publicly state our commitments (and give free advertising to) brands, fads, and cultural iconography.
For these works, images of tattoos have been collected online using hashtags (which become the title of the artwork), and then curated into categorical groupings, and transferred onto sheepskin.
By using quilting, I am reclaiming a craft previously associated with domestic femininity, to explore changing culture of gender and identity.
#Barbietattoos (Punching Bag / Heavy Bag)
2023
#Junkfoodtattoos #brandtattoos
#liquortattoos #candytattoos , 2023
Toy grocery cart, sewn sheepskin with image transfers, polyfill.
24” x 16” x 16”
24” x 16” x 16”
#PrincessTattoos #butthearttattoos #hisqueentattoos #disneyprincesstattoo #disneysnowglobetattoo , 2022
865 piece Quilt with sheepskin, cowskin, and vinyl, laser etchings, image transfers, curtain rods, found objects (mirrors, flocking, glass carriage, princess cake topper, mini Disney princess busts.
Quilt: is 86” W x 78” H / Full Installation: 100” W x 90” H
Quilt: is 86” W x 78” H / Full Installation: 100” W x 90” H
#BLMTattoos #blmtattoo #blackpowertattoo, 2021
24" x 24"
Pieced quilt of lambskin hide discards, image transfers of unique tattoos, laser etched images of bullet entry wounds, customized "diamond drill" bead applique, canvas backing, grommets. Optional shotgun casing cap magnets
Pieced quilt of lambskin hide discards, image transfers of unique tattoos, laser etched images of bullet entry wounds, customized "diamond drill" bead applique, canvas backing, grommets. Optional shotgun casing cap magnets
Branded: In Formation #pizzatattoos , 2020
55" x 50"
428 piece quilt made from sheepskin hides, with 332 image transfers of unique #pizzatattoos, plastic pizza buttons
CORNERS: #deathbypizza #mementomori
CROSSED MIDDLE EDGES/3rd ROWs: #religiouspizza #cheesuschrist
CENTER: #ufopizza
BOXED AROUND CENTER:
#sexypizza #pizzabutt #pizzaboobs #pizzapinup
SIDE EDGES 2nd,4th:
#pizzapentagram #hailpizza #luminati #3rdeyepizza
TOP/BOTTOM 2nd,4th:
#pizzamandala #infinitypizza
428 piece quilt made from sheepskin hides, with 332 image transfers of unique #pizzatattoos, plastic pizza buttons
CORNERS: #deathbypizza #mementomori
CROSSED MIDDLE EDGES/3rd ROWs: #religiouspizza #cheesuschrist
CENTER: #ufopizza
BOXED AROUND CENTER:
#sexypizza #pizzabutt #pizzaboobs #pizzapinup
SIDE EDGES 2nd,4th:
#pizzapentagram #hailpizza #luminati #3rdeyepizza
TOP/BOTTOM 2nd,4th:
#pizzamandala #infinitypizza
#trumptattoos (With makeup), 2020
The work that initiated the Branded series was created after I observed a trend of #trumptattoos, and mined social media for any that I could find. The flag is a survey of over two hundred actual, unique documented tattoos that were inspired by Donald J. Trump, (both satirical and fanatical), on tanned sheepskin.
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread, concho rivets, blush, bronzer, & shade.
24" H x 34" W
24" H x 34" W
(Detail view)
#trumptattoos (2nd version. Without makeup), 2020
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread.
24" H x 34" W
24" H x 34" W
#dutchartisttattoos , 2025
Dye Sublimation on Polycrylic coated and sewn leather remnants, binding screws & grommets.
Inspired by the legacy of previous generations of Dutch artists, including my mother, who was born in Zaandam, Netherlands, I searched Instagram for tattoos based on Dutch artworks - from Delft porcelain, to paintings by Rachel Rusch, Piet Mondrian, Johannes Vermeer, Judith Leyster, Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Hieronymus Bosch, then curated a selection for a work on leather that draws from the maximalist panels of “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch.
Several tattoos are on patches of leather tacked on like a scrapbook, and there are multiple distinct tattoo interpretations of the same historical Dutch paintings - implying how many artists build on and appropriate inherited creative knowledge from preceding generations of artists.
An antique Delft porcelain object from my family is displayed on a shelf underneath the assemblage.
Several tattoos are on patches of leather tacked on like a scrapbook, and there are multiple distinct tattoo interpretations of the same historical Dutch paintings - implying how many artists build on and appropriate inherited creative knowledge from preceding generations of artists.
An antique Delft porcelain object from my family is displayed on a shelf underneath the assemblage.
