Over the years, I refined my skills as a contemporary artist and utilized my talents in
sculpting neon, painting with metals, and grinding aluminum. I create vibrant and
impactful pieces capturing abstract landscapes, pop culture icons, and interpretive
designs.
Working with metals is unlike any other type of painting genre. The challenge is to
painstakingly grind raw aluminum to shape and direct the reflective effects of ambient
lighting to complement the subjects and forms of my paintings. In doing so, I achieve
captivating illusions of foreground-background separation juxtaposed with ecstatic
coloration.
The result is artworks that are rich in energy, celebrate the sensory integration of sight
and mental perception, and are imbued with a feeling of transcendent awe.
It is my intention to stretch the limits of what is capable in any medium. I enjoy bringing
new dimensions into existence – adding an experience of depth to an inherently
restrictive plane by using 3D techniques.
Q
What inspired you to become an artist, and what motivated you to pursue this career path?
A.
I had the ability to draw photographically since I was a child and my mother encouraged me to become an artist. I remember a time when I was around 4 or 5 and I drew a sailboat, and I was very frustrated that it wasn’t perfect and I started crying. We were at my grandmother’s house and my grandmother and mother consoled me and told me it was a very good drawing and that I shouldn’t give up and be so hard on myself. By the time I was 10 or 11 I could draw photographically and was producing amazing pencil drawings
Q
Do you have a favorite artist and why?
A.
My two favorite artists are Peter Max and of course Warhol. These artists were pioneers in the use of color and techniques and went against all accepted artistic norms. They were criticized harshly by establishment art critics but with their genius created an amazing new era in modern art.
Q
How would you describe your creative process, and what techniques or mediums do you enjoy using the most?
A.
It’s hard for me to describe my creative process as it happens usually early in the morning during the period where I am transitioning from deep asleep and waking up. I envision my art pieces and paint them many colors in my mind until the right combination happens during this twilight sleep time. When I awaken, I immediately make a quick sketch and describe the coloration before I forget it. This process happens repeatedly until the perfect painting emerges.
Q
What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art, and what kind of emotions do you want your audience to experience when they view your work?
A.
From my 30 years of living on Maui I have developed a certain euphoria from the colors of Hawaii. The sun, the water, the beautiful tropical plants are the colors of paradise. I try to share this joy and serenity in my works creating an interactive color experience that in unique to any artist in the world. This can only be appreciated by viewing my art in person closely followed by viewing the videos of my artwork available on my website.
Q
Can you share a specific project or piece that you are particularly proud of, and what makes it meaningful to you?
A.
I know in my heart that all great art is on the other side of fear. My art is always on the cutting edge and provides an upper realm experience. The greatest reward over the past 30 years of creating fine art is when other people enjoy viewing my art so much, they choose to add it to their collection.
Over the years some of my most treasured and successful pieces are when I worked on a bespoke piece for a particular client or project. Sometimes designers have inspired me to grow in new directions and create amazing art pieces that I may not have done on my own.
Q
How do you stay inspired and motivated, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
A.
I know in my heart that all great art is on the other side of fear. My art is always on the cutting edge and provides an upper realm experience. The greatest reward over the past 30 years of creating fine art is when other people enjoy viewing my art so much, they choose to add it to their collection.
Over the years some of my most treasured and successful pieces are when I worked on a bespoke piece for a particular client or project. Sometimes designers have inspired me to grow in new directions and create amazing art pieces that I may not have done on my own.
Q
What was the first project you worked on?
A.
The first project or art I was ever paid for was in high school when someone commissioned me to paint a snow skier. Someone valuing my art enough to pay for it brought me an incredible feeling of accomplishment and a new confidence in my artistic ability.
Q
What do you like to do in your free time/ outside of work?
A.
I have surfed my whole life and am also an avid scuba diver. My wife and I have thousands of dives together and have travelled planet earth sailing and scuba diving. We are both dive masters and actually met in a dive shop on Maui 25 years ago. Now that we live on the Texas Gulf Coast we enjoy appreciating the beautiful seabirds from our waterfront home and days on the water fishing from our boat here on the gulf coast.
Q
How would you define your work in three words?
A.
Colorful, Unique, Exciting
Q
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
