Artist Statement
I grew up in a politically aware, progressive household where discussions about justice and equity were central to my upbringing. While I present as white and acknowledge the privileges that come with that representation, I come from Inuit ancestry. My mother’s experiences with systemic inequities and racism profoundly shaped my understanding of colonization and oppression. This awareness informs my artistic practice as I navigate these complex relationships.

While my earlier work was explicit and direct, I now seek to engage viewers through slightly awkward, off-balanced compositions using non-referential, abstract shapes. My work also explores the tension between the austere formalism of mid-century design and the expressive textures and luminescent color fields of abstract expressionism. By drawing on these contrasts—echoing the socio-political upheaval and utopian ideals of the mid-20th century—I bridge historical narratives with the ongoing struggles of contemporary life.

Though I employ a wide range of techniques and materials, my work begins with printmaking. Using overlapping stencils, I create fluid, interconnected layers that allow me to compose dynamically, respond intuitively to previous marks, and develop a distinct visual vocabulary within each series. Serendipity plays a key role in this generative process, revealing unexpected shape associations that define relationships between non-referential forms. I further translate these moments into large-scale, hard-edge abstract sculptures, expanding the dialogue between artworks and reinforcing the significance of the two-dimensional pieces.
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I view these compositions as a metaphor for life—nothing fits perfectly, yet a fragile balance can always be found.


Bio
​Curtis is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersections of craft, commentary, and community. Drawing from a diverse practice that spans 2D media, book arts, jewelry, and socially engaged art, his creations invite viewers to reflect, question, and connect. With a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the power of storytelling, Curtis uses both traditional techniques and contemporary approaches to examine personal and collective narratives. His art is rooted in curiosity and care—each piece crafted with intention in both materials and context.

Curtis was born and raised in rural South Dakota in a house that embraced creativity, artistic expression, and craft. His love of raw construction-grade materials comes from his father, who is a carpenter and a detail perfectionist. You can see these influences in the materials and finishes Curtis uses to complete his sculptural work. Curtis’ natural inclination to experiment with art materials comes from his mother who, as a craft writer, filled the house with a variety of art supplies and opportunities to explore. These influences can be seen in Curtis’ proclivity to embrace new techniques and materials throughout his print, book art, sculpture, and design work. 

Curtis graduated with his MFA from California State University, Northridge in 2017. During his MFA, Curtis experimented with photography, videography, physical computing, and sculpture, which has become a major focus of his work. Currently, he teaches at California State University, Northridge. When he is not teaching, he enjoys working in his home studio and exploring new materials and techniques.
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​​Curtis lives with his incredibly supportive wife Genevieve. When they aren’t traveling to visit their children or attending art shows they enjoy early morning runs, long dinners, and binging English crime dramas.




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