2009: Insivible Woman (part 1)

A series of contemporary phenakistoscopes, pop-up books, paper dolls, automata and interactive dioramas.

Motivated by my interest in storytelling and inspired by recent events indicating a potential newfound status, this semi-autobiographical body of paper works explore contemporary roles through the aesthetic and political lens of Victorian mechanical toys and early animation devices.

This body of work was created for a group exhibition entitled "Relics of Futures Past" at Greylock Arts. View photos of the installation.

Pop-Up Book #1

I've always loved pop-up and handmade books. For this exhibition I created a standing accordion fold book approximately six feet in length when fully open. Its narrative is the central theme which connects the works. You can view details and individual pages here.

Interactive Bird Cage Dioramas

I've always loved dioramas. For this exhibition I created three small interactive pieces, set in antique birdcages and based on Victorian illustrations and mechanicals. View videos of the boxes in action.

Paper Automata and Mechanical Toys

I have always loved wind-up and mechanical toys. For this exhibition I decided to create several using paper gears, cranks and shams. Viewers were encouraged to pick up the devices and spin the handles. You can view them here.

Phenakistocopes

Developed in 1832 the Phenakistocope is an early animation device. Viewers spin the disc looking through the moving slits at the disc's reflection in a mirror. The two created for this exhibition are based on traditional designs. You can view them here.

Interactive Pop-Up Playhouse

I've always loved dollhouses and paper dolls and the narratives one could construct within that environment. For this exhibition I created a paper pop-up home containing four rooms (kitchen, den, office/foyer, and bedroom) already populated with several personal narratives (i.e. "I used to be fashionable now I wear crocs and hoodies"). Pre-cut paper, markers and scissors stand by the playhouse and viewers are invited to submit their own characters and narratives. View details.