I am a career artist living and working in Duluth, Minnesota. My work is a reflection of the amazing scenery and culture that this city offers. Humanity, Industry and Nature in cooperation and conflict are the staple themes of my abstract artwork. The art in this show has all been created here in Duluth. I earned my BFA at NMU with a specialty in ceramic sculpture. I have pieces in the permanent collections at the University of Michigan, a painting sculptural installation at the Oakwood health system in Dearborn, a large public sculptural installation at Portage Public Library, and finished public sculptures for the Battle Creek Public schools through the W.K. Kellogg Expert in Residence program. I began my professional art career designing, building, and installing public art. I have pieces throughout the state of Michigan. Many of my pieces are also in private collections around the world. I am represented by ARDT Gallery in Southampton NY. I am also an Ambassador with Royal Talens art supplies and use their products in our livestream videos weekly on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. My artwork was recently featured in the movie "Merry Kiss Cam" in the gallery scenes. And will be featured as well in an upcoming film recently completed this fall. As a recent transplant to Duluth my artwork reflects our family's passion for becoming a part of this amazing community. The people of Duluth have welcomed us and embraced my art. We are looking forward to many years more here as our family and my artwork grows and evolves.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My work is a network of narratives influenced by architecture, archeology, language, time and how humanity interacts with it all. Socioeconomic disparities, cultural absorption, evolution and dissolution are among other concerns I address. The use of symbolism and intentional discontinuity propels my narratives forward. As a result much of my work is a push/pull experience for the audience.

I illustrate my concepts referencing old and new languages and iconography, imagined formulas, and graffiti. I prefer to create on larger surfaces for an expanded narrative. The ways in which language evolves through time and social change is fascinating to me. Understanding a language and art is vital to understanding a culture. How these evolve and emote within a culture can reflect the influences of other societies coming in contact with it, through economic trade and/or conflicts. Throughout my work are graffiti words, phrases and gibberish to indicate cultures, languages and their overlap. Combining other contemporary iconography is a direct reference to symbolism used in graffiti and hieroglyphics. Archaeological and architectural indications are a significant part of my painting. I love the idea of storytelling to teach, but part of learning is exploring and creating your own narratives. I invite the viewer to create their own story. For me my paintings are not complete until the audience views, feels, and creates their story.

My artwork is a display of the connections between nature, humanity, industry, economics, and social issues. And sometimes, a painting is just a painting.