Current Exhibition: Appleton Museum of Art

Current Exhibition: Appleton Museum of Art

Exhibition on view through January 4th, 2026

"Deconstructing Self" represents my self-exploration through an ever changing, evolving artistic voice rooted in process not outcome. Starting with a selected variety of materials and mark-making, relationships emerge and create a visual conversation that is often engaged as "information" or

"energy." With the free application of other mediums - such as charcoal, pastel and colored pencils that carry their own innate qualities - the story becomes more relatable and starts to coalesce. Finally, the painting is resolved through the act of editing and/or process of deconstruction. The aim is to create a balanced painting that feels both complete and open to interpretation. I avoid the term "finished" because this implies a certain closure or lack of space for further movement. I relate to paintings like poetry, leaving space for the viewer's own aesthetic and personal conclusions. To me, the beauty of abstract art is in its multitudes of possibilities, both in the processes of creation and interpreting. The moment something is "seen" or is "figured out" I feel a deadness and lack of interest. Paintings should change as we change, they are not static entities but rather an ever-evolving process.

There is a saying that a tree is either growing or dying. I feel the same way about a painting. I hope this collection allows for a little "growth" in all of us. This exhibition is dedicated to my mother, Kathleen Benzel, the rock throughout my life of art and exploration.