I believe matisse said "the first thing one must do to become an artist is cut out his tongue." With that said i wish to convey how hard it is to get the essence of the visual into the written word. I have slaved over an artist statement that is all inclusive, that encompasses me. But it always ends up being too much, too wordy, unacceptable and all over the place. Much like my daily life. Lack of focus, except when it comes to art making. You'd think that at forty I would have this manure all figured out. I don't.
Attached is the latest Hunk O Hubris:
What moments define your life? My work is driven by defining moments in life. Big and small defining moments. Whether a life altering accident, dilemma, absurd experience, or taking part in a conversation in which something prophetic, funny, wise, or incredibly mean is uttered. These moments will not leave my psyche or speak directly to my inner voice, remain imprinted in my thoughts, in need of escape. My defining moments connect to your defining moments. In a society where we are so caught up in our microcosmic worlds, I hope my work encourages individuals to consider their place in the bigger picture. Small things that we say and do can and will affect others. You, me, us, them. We are all so much more alike than we are different.


I have developed my painting style over 15 years of experimentation and practice. Largely, I use acrylic paint and common household latex paint. Each painting starts with a black or dark canvas/panel. I attempt to make no mistakes in the initial dry brush application of lighter hues over the darkness. I utilize elements of realism and cartooning with text in hopes of creating work that is recognizable or nostalgic. Much of the text comes from snippets of songs, conversations, or popular culture references. The figures I paint arise from texture, mistakes, and sketches. No two are alike, but most have common characteristics. Sly toothy grins and sad eyes.
I commonly use flying figures in my work. The flight imagery stems from a hang glider flying accident I had in my hometown, North Baltimore, Ohio. That one accident is perhaps the greatest defining moment in my life. At nineteen years old, I discovered that I wasn’t invincible and realized that perhaps I couldn’t fly. That moment, twenty years ago, haunts me today.