JOAN MAYFIELD

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work reflects my interest in the natural sciences, natural processes like decay and the ways of looking at the world made possible by still photography, aerial photography, satellite imaging and the scanning electron microscope.

I have always worked with materials collected where I live and the scavenged materials often inform the direction my work takes. Recently, I have had access to a lot of cast off, painted and weathered wood which I have used to create mosaic-like, wall-hung, bas relief type “paintings”

My favorite artists make things out of scavenged materials. I love the work El Anatsui makes out of oil drums and tin cans, the boxes of Joseph Cornell, Mark Bradford’s collage paintings and Cy Twombly’s painted, found material sculptures. 

I believe that utilizing old, patinated material adds a depth and a presence to the work which is visible when you really pay attention. 

I strive to make work which invites that level of attention.

Joan’s Website