I have ordered 4 rolls of mulberry paper but I an not sure what dimension the scrolls will be until I can play with the material a little bit and examine the possible gallery spaces more closely the scrolls may be 8 feet long. I am also deciding what gallery space I would like to have my show in so the length will be influenced by that choice. I will be using 4 differently sized stamps to create the marks on the scroll. Some of the ideas that I am still working out include group mentality and course of action as we see in flocks of birds, should of fish and groups of people. The idea of free will and the illusion of choice combined with a view of the world as organized and cohesive chaos is an important part of the work and the process for its creation relies heavily on the action of recording quickly made choices in relation to surrounding factors. I would like to present my work vertically with wall hooks holding the top roller and allowing the bottom to hang loose. I am still working out and setting rules for myself as I start to reach the point of producing the scrolls. i was recently assured that the rolls of paper will be in this week so i am trying to get everything in order so that i can hit the ground running when it arrives.

I am trying some new directions with my ship forms from a bird’s eye perspective. I am also investigating the potential of old maps and ways to create and incorporate landforms in my work to create a mythical world. I have been working on ideas of how to best present my work in order to achieve the effect that stories are being told. I think I will be affixing paper on wood panels and display them like short tables between waist and knee high. I have been working in my notebook on two installations. The first project uses a sail, ropes and air current to create a form and the second involves using oars and ropes to create a rowing motion. I still need to explore possibilities with the laser cutter to know the extent of its applicable usefulness for my work but I am interested in the possibilities of acrylic and wood as well as stenciling options.

For my capstone project I will be creating a body of work that will be displayed in one of the Southern Oregon university galleries. Because I am still in the early stages of the project I still do not have all of the details but I will continue post updates as I work everything out. I will still be exploring my interest in ships both as a form and representational tool. As part of my process I am reviewing and researching literature and mythology that ships play a representative or symbolic role. I will continue to work with watercolor, woodblock print, and black powder. I am currently enrolled in a laser cutting class at the university and the laser might have a impact on my printing and blasting capabilities so I am interested to see how that effects my work. For the show I would like to have a five or six large prints and two installation pieces as a start although I would like to do more I need a little more time to think about the direction I want to go with the show. Also website updates and more images to come soon!

My name is Joseph D. Freel but everyone calls me J.D. I have lived in the Rogue Valley most of my life and currently reside in Ashland while attending Southern Oregon University. Welcome to my website please browse my work and leave a comment!