Fingernails is a series of photographs --miniature black-and -whites, as well as large-scale color photographs of women's decorative fingernail extensions.

Fingernail extensions make it possible to extend the nail to such a degree that elaborate art can be applied to the nail's surface so that the nail becomes a form of adornment armor. Nails can be decorated in an incredibly wide range of styles. We see for example, images of animals and birds, landscapes, hard-edged graphics and abstractions; even jewels can be implanted.

The work attempts to give expression to the "feminine" soul by deploying strategies common to commercial photography. By focusing on a particular commodity found in a woman's boudoir after it has undergone the personal imprint of use, the work reflects how consumer products take on a personality which reflects that of the user.

A woman's decision to create and then display these "miniature" paintings on her nails is influenced by a variety of economic, social and cultural forces, some of which can be discerned. Strength and vulnerability are also both to be found within these images.

Color Photographs 1997   Edition of ten with two artists proofs

Black & White Photographs (Details will be added soon.)