In THE MONSTER series I created a character to embody a traditional interpretation of the word monster, which is defined as “a strange or horrible imaginary creature.” And the monster in the room is not necessarily a person. It can also be perceived as a bad feeling or a terrible situation. This monster is everywhere: in the car, in the computer, at the table, in the dark… Upon further research, I discovered that the root of the word has other meanings that are associated not just with warning against something perceived as wrong, but as a sign or instruction, as in the word “demonstrate.” We have something to gain from this monster; it is not necessarily an aberration, but someone/something we can learn from. I like that. It coincides with my belief that while people are inherently good, there is a little bit of monster in all of us. And a terrible situation can also be life altering in a positive way.

I coated the papers with oil stick to make the surface fluid and oozy and receptive to the graphite, colored pencil, and crayon. There are bits of pasted papers to create richness and depth. My monster has green eyes, pink lips, a cold grey heart, and that big black angry mouth. Is the monster angry at us or are we angry at the monster? You will have to decide that for yourself.