About the Artist

Each work must stand on its own. Your intention, your philosophy, your written or verbal evaluations mean little or nothing if the work does not take the viewer there. All that really matters is the work. 

My first art class was a life drawing class in Manila in 1950. I was six and went with my mother to class. I sat on the floor next to her easel and drew the model. 

I have always wanted to be an artist. I was given a set of old oil paints at twelve which completely captivated me. My first painting was of the old barn on our farm in Virginia. 

Is what you create good enough? Are you being brutally honest with yourself as you explore? One of my oldest friends said to me “Each of us is our own creative gatekeeper. How demanding we are of ourselves has everything to do with the quality of the work produced.” I believe this to be a foundation tenant for all artists. I am suspicious of work that is too slick, too easy and is too clever. I am not impressed with artists that produce endless variations on a theme that was once meaningful, but is now commercial in its orientation towards relentless volume or continued acclaim or recognition, rather than real exploration and growth.

I am not concerned with a particular style or approach. I am focused on a personal exploration and hopefully within that journey growth is realized.

I went through high school thinking I was a failure because I struggled so much with math. My brothers were all good at it. The only thing I was exceptional at was drawing. So off to art school I went. After a very short stint in the army during the Vietnam War I went to get my MFA in Tulsa. They were very generous in providing a studio, stipend and an opportunity to teach a variety of classes as well as be responsible for running the University Gallery. I had a full plate and really loved it.

I was entering shows and getting awards and getting recognition. I made several trips to NewYork and was very fortunate to meet Robert Rauschenberg who introduced me to other artists who were showing in galleries and having their work installed in museums. 

I was surprised and crushed that there was no “dream job” after getting my degree and moved to LA. I worked in the studios as a scenic artist. I painted in the loft of Warner Brothers painting huge 30 ft. portraits of various movie stars. I had a solo show. I met other artists that were active in town. I painted in garages or carports. My work was slowly growing. Survival was the real goal.

I try to plumb all that I can in exploring a particular approach and then move on. It starts to become a repeat or too familiar and I back away to go within myself and try another direction. I know that in the end it is the only way to truly grow. The growth and exploration is, in the end, my ultimate goal.

I have been very fortunate to have had some success and shown my work in many venues. I am very grateful and determined. 

Today at 75, I draw every day. I have done this for the last twenty years. My entire focus is to improve each work to make it better than the previous painting. It sounds simple but simple is very hard.