ALAN TIBBETTS
What I Carry
This series of assemblages evolves from the idea of containers as repositories for our life experiences.


What I Carry #1 ( At ease, soldier), 2009
This piece housed in a military ammo box is based on my experiences in the U.S Army from 1972-1974.
I spent the bulk of my time as a photographer in a combat artillery unit stationed in Germany.

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What I Carry, #2 (She was...),  2009
Long before smartphones allowed us to have a camera in our pocket, I would have a film camera with me at all times. As a result I ended up documenting my love relationships, including a failed marriage.
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What I Carry, #3 (Lessons learned),  2011
The course of life is filled with various challenges and how we deal with them is the result of how well we use the tools that we have acquired through direct experience and parental upbringing. After my father's death in 2011, I saw his toolbox as a vehicle for exploring some of these ideas, feelings, disciplines and practices in a personal way. I consider the paintings in this piece as experiential maps. The painting in the top cover relates directly to my dad and in a way is a visual conversation with him recalling our shared life experiences. One of the lower drawers holds three maps which were inspired by conversations with my oldest friends where each one represents their thoughts and the wisdom that they would pass to younger generations. The objects in the toolbox represent offerings to my father's spirit and his memory. The combination of man-made and natural elements relate directly to my memories and experiences with him.

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  • Home
  • Sacred Union
  • Journey of the Ancestors
  • Multiples
  • GTS_2
  • On Foot
  • W.I.C
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog