I have been fascinated with ‘space’ all my life. What we call ‘space’ has to be understood as abstract space, as social space, as psychological as well as bodily and architectural space. Painting brings all of these together, simultaneously, and without limits. How we define the space of painting and simply, how we define space, has always inspired me. I have used architectural imagery to convey this interest. Color and light, obviously related to architecture, have also occupied me, and as a painter, I understand these terms as synonymous with painting. As much as I appreciate all of these term as having substantial philosophical implications, I take sheer delight in the ongoing studio practice of them.

My approach to teaching shares some affinity with the approach in the studio. Considering the fact that you can never know the exact results of the endeavor, you must have the greatest confidence in where you are going and who you are going there with. As much as I expect to learn from each canvas, I expect to learn from teaching each course. With this understanding, I have complete respect for the students and feel a tremendous degree of responsibility to provide them with the necessary knowledge and experience. The students must complete their degree with the ability to make an effective inquiry in the studio. As much as I have learned from my students, I feel very indebted to them, and I simply have the desire to deliver. An artist has to do their very best. A teacher has to guide the student toward this goal.

Since completing my degrees in Painting at the University of Cincinnati (MFA) and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga(BFA) I have exhibited consistently in Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and Milwaukee. Among a number of scholarships, collector’s acquisitions, and teaching positions, I have received generous support from two competitive fellowships/grants; the Betty Bowen Award in Seattle, Washington, and more recently the Mary Nohl Professional Artist Fellowship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It's hard work. And with experience it is becoming still more challenging, not less. That said, I cannot imagine a greater privilege than having this engagement in the studio.