How long have you been involved in art?
Art has been a part of my life since I was old enough to hold a pencil or crayon in my hand. I have forever felt as if my view on the world was different. The way I saw things, or even the way I saw things other didn't notice. I think there is a section of my brain stamped with creative execution orders. It has always affected and effected my sensibilities. I have used art as my constant companion throughout my entire life.
Was there a particular event that caused art to become a passion?
Not an event per se, more of a recognized emotion. The minute I not only recognized that I created something out of nothing, but was able to experience it as well; I was hooked. The way a line fluctuates and communicates its own existence, the way a colour insists its own shape and spread...all of this comes from me, but I can't own it, I can only encourage it and push and pull it in the direction it is leading me. This constant back and forth communication happens with everything I create. It is a conversation happening in a universal language albeit on a very personal and private level. It is this dance, and this language in conjunction with the ever growing tree of ideas in my head, that feeds my passion.
What kinds of things do you do for inspiration?
I'm an incessant reader. I read math books, science books, medical journals, novels, philosophy, anything and everything I can get my hands on. I also study art books from every period. Looking and studying the brush strokes and the palettes and the techniques...trying to imagine painting it myself. I also do a great deal of experimenting with different textural medias to see what new textures I can achieve and what I can and can't mix together effectively . . . . I also like to play video games.
What words of advice do you have for 'budding' artists?
I don't know if I understand what a budding artist is...but the advice I have can be applied to anything really. Explore, test, challenge and conform only to your own ideals. Do not allow anything, or anyone, or any public opinion to sway your vision or your desire. Create for yourself first, and own always what you create. Work hard, know your tools, explore your medias and your options and never say you have mastered it, because at that moment you need to quit because you don't get it at all.
What new things have you learned about yourself as you grew as an artist?
It's Okay to fail.
Do you have any particular artists that inspire you and your work?
Many. In most cases it is not their subject matter or their whole body of work but it is their technique and execution. It is also their commitment to the exploration that is creating. Besides myself there is Antonie Tapies, Lucian Freud, Paula Rego, Jenny Seville, Larry Rivers, Goya, Artemesia Gentileschi, Basquiat, Karen Luke, Herakut, Jason Myers, Guy Denning, Banksy, Whistler, Vermeer, Ashley Wood, Deborah Colter, Lee Tracy, Natalie Ritchy, Denise Goodrich, Steve Smith, Jeanne Ziegler...on and on...The bottom line is, I can find inspiration from anyone that is as serious about their craft as I.
Any other unique things you'd like people to know about you?
They will figure it out over time.
