Artist Statement

As a child, I spent a great deal of time wandering the rugged shores of Lake Michigan near Gills Rock, Wisconsin.  This planted a seed for my passion for hanging out in remote places where the handiwork of the forces of nature are dramatic and pure.  I love the experience of silently kayaking up to the shore, setting a humble campsite and absorbing the rhythms of the water, plants and animals.

During these outings, I paint, shoot, and collect. Photography functions as a way to gather visual information, almost like sketches.  Sometimes my photographs are worthy of standing alone as a work of art- sometimes they function as visual aids for my oil paintings and mixed media creations.  The work attempts to translate the feeling of the sublime. 

I also enjoy plein air painting to keep my observation and drawing skills sharp. I tend to be attracted to objects that are being reclaimed by nature- such old cars, buildings and shorelines.