Can't see the Trees for the ...., Park in Portland, Maine, 1997

The stark nature of this piece and its layout contrast the pastoral quality of the park and the natural form of the oak tree it surrounds. The multiple generic symbols direct attention to the unique nature of the individual tree they surround. The relentless repetition of the grid contrasts the singularity of the tree it encloses. As visitors stroll through this grove of signs they will look up and find their view obstructed by a forest of generic tree symbols that portray a flat monochromatic parody of what they depict. Signs and symbols, whose purpose is to direct and inform, are obstructing and obfuscating what they depict.

This work reflects on how our culture uses symbols, how our culture depicts symbols, and, how our perception is influenced by the symbols we use. For example the male and female figure/symbols found on restroom doors have become accepted internationally not only as restroom indicators but also as definitions of gender. The figure of the "girl" in a dress has become more and more ubiquitous it has, at the same time, become less and less descriptive of women and how they dress. Cold flat symbol/signs can numb our perception while they direct us to our destinations.