Born 1965, Louisville, KY

At the age of five, many conflicts were evident for me and I should have been warned that these differences might be driving forces for sometime.  The story has been told that I leaned forward in the 69 white VW bug and expressed my desire to become a lawyer and work part time at my favorite department store, “Tops”. This desire was one of extreme practicality and GREED.  The latter is the driving force for many toddlers and still serves me very well today.

It would take years of continual encouragement and suggestions by many wonderful mentors for me to pursue art as my passion.  As it turns out it was just that, PASSION that allowed for my creation.  Special thanks go out to my two most important mentors in my life, Sonny and Jan. Without these two I wouldn’t know what it was like to drive a backhoe, live in a Mediterranean décor, know the Beatles and experience the true devotion of a dog.      

My pursuit and the desire associated with art making have turned out to be the best gift anyone could have been given (most days). As many, I was quite open to suggestion as a teenager and during this time it was Mildred Fraley, Millie, who made a lasting impression with a move out of her high school office to make it my studio.   Thanks Mrs. Fraley for your efforts and my introduction to Murray State University. May you rest in peace and know that you have made an immeasurable difference in my life.

I have countless memories, which serve as inspiration, of the folks who have given strength to my creative voice. Paul thanks so much for reminding me at the ripe age of 21 that I was the “only #$%&#!!@ 40 year old” you knew at the time. Georgia thanks for also continually reminding me to “loosen up” a little and to everyone that ever encouraged me to enter a show, thank you.

So here I am almost 35 years later working part time as a lawyer (not) while still pursuing the dream of a good toy discount. All of this allows me to know (and gives me the confidence needed) what to call myself, artist, furniture maker, sculptor, teacher and now dad.