"THE GOLDEN EMPIRE II" 1997
Acrylic: 39" x 68"

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In the spring of 1999, a shift of fundamental significance occurred in my artistic expression. For 22 years I had been a professional artist, painting super-realistic images of the urban condition. Street corners and old neighborhoods were my subjects, three dimensional illusions rendered on two-dimensional canvas. What began as a diversion while toiling in the decidedly non-creative world of retail management (K-Mart) grew into a full-fledged career in 1977.
In more than two decades of painting I learned much about form and composition, technical prowess, and the emotional impact of a work of art. Over the years I exhibited in countless art shows, won numerous awards, and had my work placed in private, public, and corporate collections across the country. As the century drew to a close, however, I also began to feel I was running out of things to say. The sizzling cauldron of creative passion had begun to cool and I sensed a shift in my focus.
In one of those inexplicable leaps of faith and common sense, I decided to pursue woodworking full time- from 2-d to 3-d in both the figurative and literal worlds. It had been a hobby for almost as long as I had been painting and I enjoyed it immensely. I built a number of furniture pieces for our home and had been making the frames for my paintings for years.
As I made the shift from one medium to the other, I relied on my years of observation and artistic sensibilities to guide me. The same principles that shaped my painting apply equally well to my woodworking. An eye for strong design coupled with a high degree of craftsmanship is the foundation of my work. I'm influenced by the architecture and city life I painted for so many years and that is reflected in my pieces. As I continue to grow and hone my skills, one thing is certain; the fires of creativity are white-hot once again.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

April 21, 1946- born in Lafayette, IN
1948-1965- grew up in Connersville, IN and Rochester, NY; while in Rochester developed a strong interest in jazz and classical music, thanks in large part to the presence of the Eastman School of Music and weekends at local jazz clubs
1965-1970- attended Indiana University School of Music, majoring in bass trombone (somebody had to)
1968- married the former Penny Akens, now the corporate wizard CPA, sparing her from a life on the road with Connie Steven's future drummer, a fellow student and romantic rival
1969- was graduated from I.U. with coveted degree in bass trombone
1970 and 1973- begat two perfect children, Theresa and Adam
1970-1977- seven years of blue light specials with the management program of K-Mart. Hey, even trombone players have to eat. They did let me select the background music, though.
1974- began painting as a hobby, thanks, oddly enough, to the friendship and encouragement of a fellow K-Mart employee
1977-1999- pursued a full time art career
1999- present- designing and building contemporary furniture and accessories (Art is art, regardless of the medium.)