As I address personal issues of pain, trauma and violence, I question whether these emotional issues assist the artist in controlling his creation, or these emotional issues allow the creation to control the artist.

My creation of each piece, through the act of tearing paper and cardboard, is both deconstructive and violent, while reassembling the torn elements is reconstructive and peaceful, which addresses these emotional issues not only in the final completed work but in the actual creation of the work as well. This process allows me to explore the impact of these issues and the associated emotions in not only myself, but also as they pertain to others whether through abuse, migration or war.

Additionally, as I produce the work, I am not just a participant, but become an observer, present, looking in from the outside as a stream-of-consciousness guided by my emotional memory, helps drive my work at a semi-conscious level.