ARTIST STATEMENT
When beginning any form of art, the artist must be in a frame of mind that invites the ideas to form. In creating, a quiet transition is needed to get into the frame of mind for work to permit itself to flourish. I use these elements to open my sensitivities to the current landscape of waves and allow them to flow through my hands. Since I am a firm believer in applying strong direction to one's work and never looking back, I feel this attitude acts as a welcome mat to the reception of feelings about the present experience. To be immersed in the present moment of carving focuses all my attention thereby satisfying the second condition immersed in one's subject matter. 

Once attached to a string of thought patterns, I am attached to the sculpture in that manner until I am satisfied with its form. I try to resolve the idealism into the piece as quickly as possible to capture the freshness of the moment. Trying to recapture the feeling is much like drawing from a memory or a dream. Though it may still feel fresh, details are lost no matter how one tries to perfect a past moment in time. At this stage, I have learned to have a feeling of detached devotion, that the creative work demands. By not reflecting backwards to past feelings I am devoting myself to the moment wholly and able to detach myself from interferences. This was not easy in the beginning, as I reflect back on my early work, but I am more confident that every piece I create is an affirmation that I am on the right track for my work.

EXPERIENCE
15+ Years

EDUCATION
Bradley University, MFA
Peoria, IL

HONORS
Graduated Summa Cum Laude