The genius of Bearden is the way in which he constructed worlds of amazing depth and form. I am always amazed to see an original work, as I get lost in the many layers of the image. He is both a master storyteller and grand architect. His worlds are both mirrors and X-rays of our own that fantastically render things that are familiar. His attention to materials transcended the medium, and there are times when I really believe that I am no longer looking at a collage, but at a relief or even a sculpture. He is an artist that I have looked to in my own work, and he continues to inspire me, as I know he continues to inspire new generations.

Artist Audio Statement