Carrie Ann Plank

Lives and works in San Francisco, CA, USA

Artist statement

The major focus of my work deals with visual portrayals of information systems. The work considers reinterpreting and reorganizing visual information systems and how context shifts meaning. I've always been fascinated by how principal and equation can be visually rendered and how this translation impacts the comprehension of data - be it obfuscation or clarification. I work with many layers of data visualization, from charting to mathematical equations to scientific principles. Mapping, numerical sequences, fractals, wave patterns, sound sources, magnetic field variations and other systems of scientific observation, overlay one another to create a pastiche of information visualization. I'm interested in the resulting noise of these visual systems, be it organically or theoretically derived, and how they interact. Layers overlap and interfere while creating abstraction from the concrete. I work with multiple mediums including painting, glass work, traditional and experimental printmaking techniques, and mixed media installation. I often employ emergent technologies to create matrices to work from, such as use of CNC routers and laser cutters. The amalgamation of technological assistance and traditional hand skills plays a large role in the work. Many pieces begin as digital rendering which become the matrix by routing, cutting, or hand carving, while ink is hand mixed by eye and traditionally applied. This results in works that straddle the hand and digital spheres. Works...

Artwork