I aspire to be a visual commentator for the unique culture found in
the Southern United States. Having been born and raised in the
dirty south I am very conscious and aware of my Southern roots. I
see myself as re-inventing my southern identity while
simultaneously attempting to critique and praise a region unique to
America. The majority of my work operates under the platform known
as Venom. Much like a truck drivers handle, Venom is utilized as a
propaganda machine to specifically identify myself within the work.
Georgia politics, tobacco, and heavy metal all play a vital role in
this ongoing body of work. Issues such southern state flag rights
to rural America's lowbrow aesthetic are borrowed and re-formatted.
The number 1987 or 87 works as a historical signifier for the hey
days of heavy metal in one context and Venom's Nascar number in
another. The bold and outrageous proclamations contained within
the Venom Dip series simultaneously ridicule and praise tobacco
use. While other works address issues of strife and segregation in
response to the Civil War, or the commonly labeled War of Northern
Aggression. Welcome to Venom's Lounge!
Flags have been used for centuries as a means to designate friend
from foe, territory, or political parties. The flag becomes a
courier for the Venom handle. Intended to be installed in
designated areas throughout cities and rural America, the Venom
Flag series attempts to conquer and exist in the public realm.
Mixing recognizable symbols with southern signifiers the flags take
on a different context when installed outside the gallery walls.
The message is quite simple...Venom Is More Important Than You!