My Story and Artist Statement:

When I was a teenager, my mom recognized my interest and passion for art. So, she enrolled me in an art instruction course. Although I was enthusiastic at first, I grew tired of the assignments, which reminded me too much of school; and I quit. Later, after dropping out of college under a Russian Language curriculum, my mom convinced me to pursue engineering so that I would be secure and be able to support myself. I got a 2-year Mechanical Engineering degree and later, a 4-year Industrial Engineering degree.

After an initial job as a Welfare examiner, I became gainfully employed in manufacturing. Engineering was OK, but it was not my passion. I began to pursue music part time and was in a few different local cover bands that played on weekends – one of which was fairly successful. I quit the last band when I was about 30 years old. I was frustrated in the band’s unwillingness to work on original songs and became disillusioned with the grind. However, I continued jamming with my musician friends for several years – drinking and smoking too much, and generally just having fun and wasting time. During this period of my life, my mon died of cancer, I was married, divorced, and became a father.

At 40 years old, I rekindled my passion for art. I suppose, this was my midlife crisis. I immersed myself in art and read most of the how-to art books and art history books in the local libraries. I began drawing and painting in earnest. I was attracted to the fact that I was the only person in charge and I didn’t need anyone’s permission or approval for anything. I had complete creative control and I wanted to do something original. In the beginning, I mimicked the style of my favorite artists – Paul Klee and Alex Powers, in particular. I slowly began to move away from their abstract styles over the years. In this time period, I married my soul mate and have raised a step-son from birth. My wife is supportive of the time I spend on art.

I work in mixed media, but mainly watercolor and Acrylic. I would describe by current style as “edgy” female portrait and figurative fine art illustration. I also occasionally make painted collages that tend to be more abstract. I continue to morph my style, but the subject matter focus has consistently been female portraits and the female form. I’m on a mission to continually try new things, improve my skills, and find my unique voice. I’m reminded of a quote by Elbert Hubbard – “Art is not a thing; it is a way.” The journey never ends.