Objects, Tiger Strikes Asteroid PIN, 3 .5’ pins.  One T. One S. One A.

I moved to Philadelphia in 2005 soon after graduating with my Masters of Fine Arts with the prospect of starting a new chapter in my life. The beginning of 2005 had been hard on me and my family since we had last my father that January to cancer. For the next two-and-a-half years I enclosed myself in my apartment, making art work and trying to get work as a photography teacher in one of the many universities in the Philadelphia area.

In 2008 I had the opportunity to exhibit in a gallery in Old City called the Meltem Birey Gallery.  It was the first solo exhibition I had ever had in Philadelphia and it brought me joy that after years of work, I had created work I was happy showing and was filled with pride.  Soon after that an artist run space called Tiger Strikes Asteroid had invited me to be a part of their gallery. For the next four years, I helped run a great alternative art space with some of the greatest artists that are Philadelphia-based.  While at the gallery, I had the chance to exhibit my second solo exhibit in Philadelphia, work on community art projects, and meet great artists whom which I ended up collaborating with.  I finally felt at home, and accepted within a great group of people who I consider my friends. These pins were made to promote the gallery, and I have kept them around as a memento of my time being involved with the gallery.