As a naturalist, I enjoy collecting small artifacts from the natural world and pinning them in a shadow box for preservation, study and viewing. I am conflicted by this hobby, however, as it reveals human’s desire to categorize, quantify and control the world around us. Specimen refers to the collection of small insects but also offers up the human as a specimen. As I age, I find the body becomes more and more subject to medical and scientific study while we search for ways to defy the natural course of growing old. Being pinned on display for categorizing and quantifying can expose our vulnerabilities and our lack of control.

Specimen is a mixed media installation. Materials used include inkjet photographs and graphite drawings on paper, transparency and fabric, embroidery thread (insects), pins, lights, wood, wire and sausage casings.