Client: Davis Global Center

Overview

I completed a large commissioned painting for the Davis Global Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. The Center is a high tech facility, where students learn through virtual reality, simulations and various computer and electronic devices to respond to medical situations. The goals of the selection committee were to enhance this learning environment with traditional media that would provide welcome and respite from their electronic classroom experiences. Basing my work on nearby Fontenelle Forest, I made a large-scale painting that showed not only the beauty of the local landscape, but also the importance of the human hand through my mark making. I feel no matter how far advanced we may be with technology, we are all united by common human experience and the importance of the human element. We may rely heavily on our computers and cell phones, but I find when I visit art museums and galleries, I am joined by many others who value the record of shared human experience made visible by works created by human hands.

Goals

The committee sought work in traditional media as a counterpoint to the high tech educational classrooms.

Process

I worked in collaboration with the Nebraska Arts Council, Davis Global Center selection committee to select the work and the appropriate site for installation.