In 2007 I began a series of work using a combination of thread, ink and graphite to explore what defines a line. At first glance, the lines appear identical with little or no variation from each other. Upon closer inspection it becomes clear that some lines are sewn into the page and others are drawn in ink or graphite.

The thread line has dimension and a sculptural element to it, casting shadows and revealing space between it and the paper while the drawn line, depending on the material used, ink or pencil, appears to either rest on top of the paper surface or to sink into it. Studying, inspecting and comparing the lines becomes almost inevitable and the drawn line can be seen as a representation of the 3 dimensional thread line and visa-versa.

As the work progressed a breakdown within the grids occurred as I strayed from the constant parallel lines of earlier drawings and began using angles and at times more random patterns. The flow of information and line within each drawing may expand, contract, repeat or multiply depending on the system involved in the particular work. The systems are not perfect, there are hits and misses of intent along the way as well as a desire to let the imperfect unions of line remain. While making these works my eye/hand coordination is challenged: how straight can my drawn line be? Will my pen or pencil make contact with the plum line of the thread? The drawn line reveals the natural instability of the hand, a human element, something I have always aimed to maintain in my work.