I was raised in the high desert and mountains of Northwest Wyoming. I spent both summers and winters in Yellowstone and Denali National Parks then moved to Alaska in 1992. Encouraged by my new wife and family, I enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to pursue a fine arts degree. The ensuing years were a time of confidence building and problem solving exercises. I learned my skills and techniques in a creative, open environment and I am grateful for the encouragement that I received from the UAA faculty.

I completed my BFA in 1997, just before our second child was born. Since my wife had already established a career, she remained the breadwinner while I had the privilege of staying home with our children. We purchased an older home which became my creative outlet for several years with the remodeling and landscaping. In the fall of 2006, with most of the house projects finished and the kids in school most of the year, I once again took up a brush.

My most recent work, "Coastal Discoveries" is a continuing exploration of landscapes and the denizens in and around the intertidal zones of Alaska. I am drawn to the ocean, but I have an irrational fear of the water. This is mostly due to the ever changing weather along the coast. I can feel my pulse quicken with any change in the wind when I'm out on the water. This can be invigorating, forcing me to narrow my focus to only the essential things of the very moment. Foremost on my mind if the wind kicks up and the waves become uncomfortable is "Where is my closest, safe place to anchor?" These incidents serve to make one appreciate the calm times, where you can take in the smallest details of the journey.

Due to recent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, I have needed to immerse myself in the illusion of the calmest times that I have spent out on the water. Those are the times that I have been relaxed, well rested , unhurried, at peace, and open to discover and share the treasures that were literally at my feet. For now, this is my safe place to anchor.

Recent Exhibits

• Spring 2008, Solo exhibit, "Coastal Discoveries" at the Alaska Spine Institute, Café Gallery.

Artistic Style

I am currently exploring imagery that I consider non-traditional wildlife art, as well as traditional landscapes with oil and acrylic paints. I have begun a series of paintings of sea anemones from the intertidal zone of coastal Alaska. These creatures and their habitat are generally outside the realm of the more dramatic mammals and birds depicted in Alaskan art today.

I have chosen the subject of anemones as they are beautiful, flowerlike and blur the line between flora and fauna. I am drawn to that distinction and to the contrast of duality. I use visual and physical texture, as well as color, to magnify elements that would seemingly oppose, yet in fact compliment each other.

The elements of these paintings create a very limited perception of depth. In order to expand my art in a different direction, I am also painting traditional landscapes. The intent is to bring characteristics of each technique to each piece.