In 2009, I began working on the ocean. At first, I thought it was to become a fisherman, a mariner, then an engineer. In reality, I went to sea to become an artist. This is one of those odd life twists one never sees coming.
The magic started after midnight. The bartender asked me to leave a list of the drinks i had that night. Instead, I started drawing cartoons and doodles on a napkin and leaving them on the bar before going to bed. The passengers found them in the morning, mused over them, and began to ask about them. Over time, I developed a following and a style.
My instincts tell me there is something to this, but to what end I have no clue. I'm enjoying the flow.
My process starts with an idea. It emerges instantly from somewhere in my mind caught from the ethereal pool of creative flow, and I know that is what I will work with and the next project.
From there, I turn to marker and paper towel and work out the composition and light. If it will be canvas, i prep it: creating my borders and rough grid of thirds and halves on the tape that covers my border. At this point, I take some time and watch the canvas and visualize what could be. Then I begin.
I'm intrigued by the creative process. My minds eye vision of my creation at the beginning of the project flows and changes to the very end. Two questions that fascinate me: How do you know when a piece is finished? Where does that feeling come from?
In 2018, I bought, designed, and built a custom camper van. It is my art and adventure center, when on land. I love it! It’s It's very comfortable, and suits me.
In 2020, I started The Art Garden. The pandemic was on. Nobody knew anything. Cruise ships are unnecessary in a pandemic. So I came home.
I decided to grow a garden. I dug it out, a 20x30 foot area. I planted it, watered it and weeded it. Then I started looking at the land, and began landscaping. The place had grown in. And so I began trimming the trees, hoping to create a campsite for my van.
It wasn't long before I found what I was truly looking for, a semi level area in a beautiful spot. I said to myself, “This would be a great spot to have an art studio.”
And so it began…
I realized everything I had ever wanted was here - Space, water, natural beauty, family, community.
I had spent the last 20 years traveling away from this place, I needed those years to help me appreciate, and give perspective on what I’m about to do.
Now it’s spring 2022. Im in the middle of designing and building my studio. Its a lot of work, but I love it. It’s not really labor if you love it.
I have a million projects, both inside and out. In each movement, Im hoping to create something beautiful.
Watch me grow.
Thank you for your interest.