Artist Statement

I have always been intrigued by objects that are a mystery to me like parts of machines or unfinished construction projects. Not knowing their purpose, these objects spark my imagination, while allowing me to appreciate their stark visual form.

I think the reason I make art is to repeat this experience of discovering forms that maintain their mystery, that don’t have a function other than allowing me to day dream.

When I work, I don’t start with a preconceived notion other than intending to isolate the image in the center of the picture plane in order to allow the image to be read as an icon or target.

As I work I look for areas in the image that seem to morph back and forth, from one possible shape to another.

Jumble Series

In this series I am interested in discovering and emphasizing shapes that look like things, as well as the interaction between shapes.

Structure Series

In this series I am interested in creating images that look like architectural structures, weird monkey bars, complex machines, or a combination of the three.   

Open Structures Series

In this series I am exploring opening the structures and adding areas of color to create a feeling of movement and energy.

End Game Series

This is part of an ongoing series of off-round shapes isolated in the center of the picture plane. While these paintings are composed of flat areas of color, I enjoy the way they can also be seen to imply three-dimensional space or objects, like hallways or napkin rings.

Scope Series

Similar to the end games, I enjoy the way in which this group of paintings can be seen as both flat areas of color, while also alluding to three-dimensional space. The term scope implies that these images are similar to what you see when you look through a telescope. You see only an isolated part of something larger whose meaning is not revealed. 

While my current work, has not been exhibited or reviewed, I have included selected quotes from articles that were published on my previous work. 

Cast Bonze, Lead and Wood Sculptures

“They have a perfection, density, mysteriousness which… raises them above mundane associations.”

The House in Contemporary Art by Dr. Hope B. Werness

“Each artwork in the show projects a tangible quality. At the same time, the literal meaning of each work eludes the observer. “  

“The viewer sees some pieces that resemble temples, boats and chairs; others that defy description. But even those forms that look familiar may be abstract in Harris’ mind, because he often derives the configuration of one piece from the discards of a previous one.”

Janet Kutner, Dallas Morning News

“Recalling alters, tables, and towers, some have been dense and impenetrable. Almost all have managed to be wryly mysterious.”

Janet Tyson, Fort Worth Star Telegram

Process Paintings

“Ultimately, this work offers an unusual mediation between modernist loyalty to materials and mass-market imperatives of merchandising; it strikes a hybrid reconciliation between these two cultural antagonists.’

In Western New York by Marc Mayer, Curator, Albright Knox Art Gallery