What inspires you? An indefatigable drive to create problems for myself to solve, and in that, inspiration can be found in anything or any moment. The flickering shadow of a small junco’s wing in the morning sun, a contractor’s post on Instagram or a multi-faceted visual from a deep meditation.
What is the hardest part of creating your art? Currently, with my health issues, it’s having the energy to make and function with a freedom of movement and spontaneity. When I’m tired I work from my brain and the marks I make have a certain rigidity and staleness. Whereas, when I’m healthy and working from my heart, and working in a proper stream-of-conscious manner, there’s a freedom in form, line and shape that comes through. One of the hardest parts of my process is recognizing what part of me I am creating from and to know how to adjust accordingly.
untitled (Transmutation series), acrylic & latex paint on panel, 48×48″, 2022
What advice would you give your younger self? I’d tell myself to be patient, stop being so serious, and to give yourself and others around you a break. Everything that you think is important more than likely isn’t. Small acts of kindness have a much greater impact on those around you than you believe they do.
How has personal experience influenced your creativity? I’m drawn to older, wizened souls and am grateful for the experience of having been around many older artists. Being able to witness them stripped of monetarily driven ambitions, and family, and seeing their lives distilled down to creating, eating and sleeping. That really resonates with me. The value and import of living a life in creativity does not wane, in fact that drive to paint or sculpt might be the most important thing to live for at times and that is something I hold dear.
work in progress in studio
How do you make the leap from an idea in your head to the action you produce? When I first went to art school this question haunted me, “how do you conceptualize an abstract thought?”. It led me down many rabbit holes exploring artists’ processes and methods. What I learned along the way is, most importantly, stop thinking and start making. Work in a quantity over quality manner as well. Eliminate the preciousness of an object and let the development of a series of art be the guide.
What are your words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field? Explore, emulate, experiment. As validating as a sale may feel, it is not the end all, nor should it be your purpose in making. Make mistakes. Create and destroy. Be fearless.
untitled (Ascension series), mixed media on paper, 24×18″, 2021
untitled (Ascension series), mixed media on paper, 24×18″, 2021
goofball posing for pretend action pic
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