What was the moment in your life that caused you to follow your passion of becoming an artist? I had been showing work and studying art for sometime. About six months after a divorce I decided to quit my job with an advertising agency, rent a studio and become a full time professional artist.
Do you have an academic background in your chosen media or are you self-taught?
I am both self taught and somewhat academically trained.
What is your inspiration for your work?
My work is primarily brought forth from my own internal landscape. It is drawn from my perception of and reflections on life.
How has your work evolved over the years?
I have always been inclined towards exploration, experimentation and improvisation. After many years of painting, my work evolved into three dimensional painting and sculptural explorations. This brought me to my tattoo sculpture and conceptual sculptural work.
Does your work have a particular message? If so, how have you seen the public interpret your work?
My work often has to do with the spiritual nature of things. I see human life as part of the whole of creation. I personally believe that as more people come to understand the connection of all life there will be more reverence for life and that will be reflected in the choices and decisions that humans individually and collectively make. I believe as many do that we are at a sort of “crossroads” of human experience on this planet. We have reached a point where our decisions can tip the balance in one direction or another. I believe that life goes on and on, but the human experience on this planet might not; that it is highly dependent upon whether or not we evolve consciously.
What has been your experience working with galleries and exhibit spaces?
It has been very favorable. I have shown at different galleries and exhibit spaces here in Texas over the years. Currently I am showing work at Monkdogz Urban Art in New York City, and have a wonderful relationship with them. I am working with Pietro Franesi, the Director of the NYBiennale on a piece that will be one of the “Special Projects” during the NY Biennale in September of 2009. I personally have found that most people that are in the art business are there because they genuinely love the art.
What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?
Creating, creating, creating! I consider it a very large gift to be given the ability and opportunity to convey what I consider to be important concepts. As an artist, my medium allows me to communicate across cultural and language barriers. Over the years I have formed significant friendships with artists and individuals all over the world.
What is your professional goal? Where would you like to see your work represented in the future?
My professional goal is to enter a more International arena with my work. I am currently drawn to work that is conceptual and sometimes controversial. I hope to open a dialogue on some difficult issues through my work. Additionally, I have plans for collaboration with other artists to demonstrate how we can come together to create peace and communication between cultures and nations. Such collaborations are a small drop in an ocean of discord, but I believe it can make a positive difference.
Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio/studio? What is it about this piece that makes it special and how does it represent you as an artist?
I believe that the piece I am creating for The NY Biennale is the most profound piece I have yet created. It is a work that has truly stretched me as an artist, both technically and emotionally. I also feel very strongly about my most recent tattoo piece “Reconciliation”. This piece was an examination of our “perception” of Good and Evil. It had a creative life of its own, and when completed I was somewhat surprised at how the story unfolded naturally around this piece, ultimately leading to the key, which was Love.
Do you have any advice to upcoming and emerging artists?
I think my advice would be that if you truly love what you are doing, believe in yourself. Success in the visual arts rarely comes quickly, so you need to be able to persevere and keep your creative fire while you’re at it. I would stress how important it is to create, even when you don’t necessarily feel like creating. They won’t all be masterpieces, but each piece will contribute to your growth.
I also think it is important to pay attention to relationships. Have integrity, learn to manage your own ego without being a doormat. I think in the beginning stages it is very valuable to find a group of like minded artists to exhibit with. There is a lot of valuable support that comes from these early interactions. As a group you can create your own exhibition opportunities, independently and sometimes through established galleries. As you mature as an artist, it often becomes a more solitary pursuit. It has been my experience that interactions then take on a more serious quality because time becomes of the essence.
Where can people learn more about your work?
I welcome studio visits for those people in Austin or visiting. Additionally my website has a good representation of my work and resume. Right now one can go to the NYBiennal site to read a bit about my current project.
http://nybiennaleart.blogspot.com
http://www.nybiennaleart.org
