PHANTASMARAMAS

The word phantasmarama is a portmanteau created by combining the words phantasm and diorama. A phantasm is something that only exists in the mind or an illusory likeness of something. A diorama is a model representing a scene in three dimensions. Each piece in this series is a diorama that attempts to depict the the mind searching for meaning.

These dioramas are created from drawings that are cut out and then collaged. These collages take the form of figures and objects that are rich with meaning and metaphor. These collages are attached to wooden screens and scaffolding which allows them to become 3D elements that can be placed within the diorama. Once the diorama is complete it is photographed and then disassembled so its elements can be reused in other pieces. Just like a thought, these pieces exist for a fleeting amount of time and then disappear.

This work is not merely meant to be viewed, it is intended to be engaged. Most pieces in this series pose a question that you, the viewer, are encouraged to answer for yourself.

For full engagement, try writing for a minimum of five minutes for each question. You may write by hand or type your response.  Write about any thoughts, memories or emotions the question evokes. Write without judgment or criticality. The goal is exploratory writing, not “good” writing. If you don’t know what to write, write about not knowing. Write continuously until the five minutes comes to an end.

My hope is that this work will encourage viewers to explore and examine the contents of their own minds and how they construct meaning in their own lives.