THIS BODY OF WORK REPRESENTS MY PERSONAL AFFECTION FOR GAS STATIONS. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES TIED TO A FAVORITE UNCLE OF MINE WHO MANAGED SEVERAL STATIONS IN THE 1960S. ADDITIONALLY, I FIND INSPIRATION IN ED RUSCHA’S STANDARD STATION—A SERIES OF POP ART PAINTINGS AND PRINTS—AND to a lesser degree HIS TWENTYSIX GASOLINE STATIONS SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE SIXTIES. 

Ruscha’s photographs of gas stations have been described as intentionally banal—simple documents of the American vernacular landscape. Where as his series of pop art paintings and prints titled Standard Station, are very formal and graphic and elevate the gas station to a monumental and iconic status.

I find the monumentality of these closed down structures is heightened by their having been stripped of utility and function, leaving just form and space. Additionally, I have an interest in the way that the design and architecture of each gas station, reflects influences from both local culture and mass consumer culture.