Influenced by the Abstract Expressionists like Hans Hoffman, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothco and Helen Frankenthaler; the Baroque artist Caravaggio and the Romantic artist Francisco Goya.
My formative years were influenced by the late 60s counter culture and the 70s/80s Punk/New Wave era. I always tried to be controversial and was one of the first to dress in this rebellious Punk style including eye makeup which was a little shocking in Texas at this time but it was common among so many Punk and New Wave music groups and fans.
I saw a T-shirt from the Museum of Modern Art which read: “If it looks good above your sofa, it isn’t art.” That is what I strive to create in my art.
When I was 8 years old, I spent much of that year contemplating dogma and wondering about the purpose of my existence. I concluded that my natural talents in the visual arts were where I should focus in order to make art that hopefully brings Peace, Joy and LOVE to others.
I have always tried to be mindful and respectful of others but I am human. I always try to apologize and make amends when I discover I have behaved or spoken with disrespect. I recognize that everyone has an opinion and support everyone’s right to speak their mind and live their life as they choose. On the same topic I always fight for everyone’s individual rights and against anyone trying to impose their beliefs on others.
I always had a little talent in drawing and painting and my parents encouraged my interest from an early age. When I graduated from Irving High School, I was selected to show a watercolor in a group show at the Irving Art Center.
I began with a minor in Theatre but switched midway to English after I began writing poetry. I am therefore also a poet, and I am heavily inspired by Romanticist authors like Blake and Keats. Romanticism is a movement in the arts that emphasizes emotion and intuition over reason and logic. It began in the late 18th century and lasted into the mid-19th century. My poetry celebrates this movement, and I strive to evoke strong emotions in my readers.
I was a member of the Deep Ellum Arts Group in downtown Dallas which was run by my good friend and very talented Artist, Robert Forsythe. Robert shared my passion for theater and the performing arts as well as music.
When I was 30 years old I moved to the Tampa Bay area in Florida and shortly afterwards opened a Studio/Gallery called Live Art Place with another talented artist friend in Tampa named Pedro Parra. Pedro remains in Tampa and continues to create his unique style which reflects his heritage. Then the gallery joined the Tampa Gallery Association and participated in the Association’s “Gallery HOP” where we used city busses to run from the Museum of Fine Arts downtown to each of the member Galleries and then back to the Museum where we had live entertainment and food vendors. It was a HUGE success and wildly popular for several years!
I now live in Lynchburg, Virginia because I love the mountains and the history. I guess you could say as far as my family is concerned I have come “Full Circle”.
I am an artist who wants to make the world a better place. I don’t just create art, I use my art to promote peace and understanding in the world. My art is inspired by spirituality and a desire for a world without war, hunger, or greed. I am an artist who wants to make the world a better place.
I try to avoid subjects about religion even though I think religion is the opiate of the masses. I think spirituality is a personal journey and everyone’s beliefs should be respected. I encourage everyone to develop a strong meditation practice. If we all practiced meditation I think there would be no more War, Hunger or Greed and we would all have Peace.
There is so much anger in the world today and I think we all treat one another poorly, without love. Each of us has a special gift and our individual contributions to the world should be acknowledged and treasured. I think we should all work to end War, Hunger and Greed.
I do not avoid politics or economics because I consider these current constructs to be tools to manipulate, exploit and control others. They are a distraction from the aspects of life I consider important and I am simply not a fan of Capitalism or anyone who tries to force their ideas and way of life on others. We all have the right to walk our own path and to decide how our governments and corporations should act.