Liz Phillips

The most basic of communication devices, the tin can gave us, as children, an excuse to play at adult communication technology -- space craft, satellites -- connecting us to far-flung worlds. As an adult, the tin can becomes an object with which to explore blind spots and balance. The cypher for seeking knowledge and safety.

This MFA project enabled me to find my own voice through adaptations of Chuck Close's 1968 self-portrait. Where he eschewed the artist's hand, I literally finger painted. Florifying Chuck Close enabled me to husband my dream of mentorship.

This series of portraits were made from photographic images found in the public domain of an online dating site. These were men I did not correspond with, men I didn't immediately find to my liking. Instead of dismissing them out of hand, I lavished them with paint, transforming them into my loving.