30”x44” linoleum carving, monotype, collage

“Witness” is a series I created during an artist residency at Centrum in Port Townsend, WA. In my own development as an artist, this was a time of major breakthroughs — both in techniques and aesthetics.

In addition to my art supplies, I packed a copy of “PhotoShop for Dummies” and feverishly taught myself the basics of the program. A visit to the local library propelled me into a surprisingly large World War II section. Armed with a dozen books, I returned to my studio where I buried myself in a history I was only too familiar with — both my Armenian and Swiss families had been gravely impacted by the war — and emerged consumed with a rage that needed expression that infused the works.

This particular print came when I realized that it is war I have strong dark feelings about, not soldiers. Nowadays, if I feel courageous enough, I will approach service men and women in the street, and thank them for their commitment. To me, the story of the soldier is a complicated and socially layered one.