Most of the USA and Some Canada

2004, stamps, paper, gouache, 31 x 45 inches.

This map of the USA and a little Canada is made of stamps that correspond to their particular state.  People are always giving me their rejected stamps. I love to look at the details and see how each stamp is a  little telling artwork in and of itself. To me, being admired in a collection, in a book, or on an envelope is ok, but slightly depressing. I like to give stamps (and everything I work with) new life and contexts. To me, making art out of papers elevates their importance, even if it means cutting them up. I destroy the things I love.