Studio Location
San Francisco Bay Area
Born
Georgia
Childhood
Fairly quiet.
From the moment I saw a horse, I wanted to ride. My first opportunity was in Virginia, on the 4th of July, when I climbed aboard a horse belonging to my first cousin once removed. I don’t remember what it took for me to dismount, only that I would have stayed there forever. I started taking lessons at age 12.
Cats played an important role even earlier, including Magnolia, a.k.a “Maggie.” At age 3, I was probably her worst nightmare. Teary, a.k.a. Wysteria, Miss Kitty Kitty (technically my sister’s cat), and wonderful others, followed by Prissy, a.k.a., Miss Priscilla. In California, Tyrone and currently Cachilla Ruth. If only one could bottle a purr >••<
Early art
I remember various art projects from very early on, constructing houses out of paper or manilla folders, scissors and tape. I also built structures – one with my cousins in our grandmother’s back yard, using sticks and pine straw.
Things gelled in 8th grade. I was a good student overall, but I especially adored my art teacher, Mrs. Lafitte, who inspired and encouraged me through 12th grade. I quote her to this day and her contribution to my path was massive. Looking back I see her as a guardian angel and I cannot imagine where I would be today without her. By the end of college, I was clearly an artist.
Family
My maternal grandmother painted, my father is an avid and accomplished photographer, and both of my parents have a strong sense of aesthetics.
Training
In college, I double majored in English and Studio Art (drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, painting) at Sweet Briar College. I was the first student to do a 5th year, part time, while working elsewhere. I did a year at UNC-Greensboro’s MFA program with a focus on the figure, followed by the two-year program at The Maryland Institute in Baltimore. Two of my wall sculptures were subsequently chosen for that years’ Maryland Biennial held at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Technique
I learned mostly through years of practicing. I also received valuable feedback in graduate school, from Chester Arnold’s materials, tools & techniques course at COM, looking at paintings in museums, and reading analyses of techniques by the Masters.
Influences
Mrs. Lafitte (high school). Mr. Oliver (college instructor), Zig Priede (master fine art printer, college instructor), Trun Bykle (instructor, COM).
Other artists: Initially: Jim Dine, Robert Motherwell, Chiam Soutine, and Van Gogh.
Later on: Vuillard, Bonnard, Kimura, Giocometti’s (paintings), Berthe Morissot and local artist Leslie Allen, Studio 3A. A huge influence was my work for more than two decades as a designer/creative director.
What others say
“Seeing your work transported me back to a time in my life when I fully felt like my true, authentic self. I was brave, bold and independent. I didn’t let fear hold me back.” —Leslie Beck
“I…was blown away by the extraordinary quality of it. To repeat the famous cliché, “I don’t know much about art but I know what I like.” In this case I wholeheartedly agree with somebody else’s remark.” —Joe D.
“I love the energy that flies off the canvas.” —Paul F.
“Do you realize the power you release in your artwork? It is not something I experience often. I’m proud to know someone so gifted
Hobbies & interests (besides art)
Gardening, I’m sort of an abstract expressionist gardener. Trail running, for years, although now I hike fast. Reading history and literature. Anything having to do with France. I’ve ridden for many years, although not currently.
Relationship between art and other work
As a designer/creative director the connection is pretty clear. In my current role as a user experience researcher, I observe and listen, synthesize, analyze, produce artifacts — skills that I also use when making art.
Inspiration
I’m currently working on a series of paintings inspired by Grand Prix Jumping where horse and rider form the only animal-human partnership to compete as one. Years of training, precision timing, communication and a powerful bond of trust form the foundation that enables them to perform with grace and speed in a sport that is both dangerous and beautiful.
Muse
Cachilla Ruth, the fine cat. As you might expect, she’s the manager and sometimes contributes to my blog, ConversationsWithMyCat.com.
“The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel.”
– Piet Mondrian
Inquiries
If you are interested in acquiring any of the artwork displayed, or commissioning a new work of art for your home or office, please let me know here.