Artist Statement

My artistic journey spans from the structured, often formulaic world of advertising to the liberating chaos of fine art, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of modern identity. As an artist, I am continually exploring the tension between societal expectations and the need for authentic self-expression. Through a fusion of sacred geometry and cubism, my work invites viewers to contemplate the authenticity of their own identities in a world saturated with manufactured realities, half-truths, and performative selves.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised along the coast of Southern California, my artistic passions were ignited at an early age. After more than thirty years in graphic design, I returned to fine art, earning my BFA in Drawing and Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2019, and completing my MA in 2023. My work is influenced by both my diverse upbringing and extensive professional experience, and I strive to navigate the delicate balance between structure and expression, tradition and innovation.

Sacred geometry serves as the foundation for my compositions, offering a controlled framework that allows for abstraction and fragmentation. These visual codes speak to the fabric of the universe, reflecting the way our identities are simultaneously whole and fragmented. In my portraits, I capture the essence of my subjects not just through faces, but through layers of meaning that transcend simple representation.

As a husband, father, designer, teacher, and thinker, I recognize the ways in which we continually present curated versions of ourselves to the world—whether online, at work, within our families, or even to ourselves. In today’s culture, where reality often blends with fiction, my paintings meditate on the struggle to find and express the true self beneath the external layers of influence and expectation.

This body of work speaks directly to the pressures of fitting in and the collective obsession with being liked. From social media’s constant need for validation to the artificial constructs of reality television, our world has become one of perpetual self-presentation. I am fascinated by the psychology behind today’s portrait and the way we navigate our public and private selves in this evolving landscape.

For me, art is about connection—bringing order to chaos, discovering new truths, and celebrating the euphoric feeling of creation. I am a lover of typography, a fan of Rush, a golf enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed master of bad dad jokes. Above all, I am an artist who believes in the power of the creative process to help make sense of our world and our place in it.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Master of Arts (MA) in Drawing and Painting, The Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA (2023)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drawing and Painting, The Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA (2018)

Study Abroad Program, Cypress College, Cypress, CA (1990)

  • Studied Fine Art, Contemporary Literature & Opera

  • La Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, Paris, France

  • Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Florence, Italy

High School Scholarship Program, Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos, CA (1986)

  • Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA

  • Studied Drawing and Advertising Design

Awards

Professor of the Year, Northwest College of Art and Design (2002–2004)

  • Nominated and voted on by the student body for three consecutive years

Collective Visions Gallery, 1st Place (2019)

Collective Visions Gallery, Merit Award (2018)

Paint Out Poulsbo, Best in Show (2018)

Solo Exhibitions

Unveiling Authenticity: Exploration of Identity in Modern Society, Grumble and Wine, Bremerton, WA (2024)

End of the Beginning, Winslow Art Center, Bainbridge Island, WA (2012)

Selected Works on Paper and Canvas, The Lab, Costa Mesa, CA (1995)

Birth of an Artist, The Static Gallery, Cypress, CA (1991)

Group Exhibitions

Hidden Talent, Olympic College, Bremerton, WA (2024)

Hidden Talent, Olympic College, Bremerton, WA (2023)

Artist Spotlight, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge, WA (2023)

Student Show, The Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA (2019)

Instructors Show, Winslow Art Center, Bainbridge Island, WA (2012)

Bainbridge Island Studio Tour, Various Studios, Bainbridge Island, WA (2010–2012)

Artist Marketplace, Various Studios, Bainbridge Island, WA (2010–2012)

Centered on the Center, Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach, CA (2001)

Professional Experience

Adjunct Professor, Olympic College, Bremerton, WA (2022–Current)

  • Teach courses in drawing and painting, focusing on traditional and contemporary techniques, and mentor students in developing personal artistic styles.

Current Adjunct Professor, Northwest College of Art and Design, Tacoma, WA (2021–Current)

  • Teach courses in graphic design and typography, focusing on design principles, typographic theory, and contemporary industry practices. Mentor students in developing their creative skills and personal design aesthetics.

  • Contributed to the development of the stand-alone BFA program in Graphic Design, collaborating with faculty to design curriculum and ensure it meets industry standards.

Instructor, Black Barn Studios, Kingston, WA (2024)

  • Introduction to Oil Painting – One-day workshop

  • Master Copy – Four-week workshop

Instructor, School of Visual Concepts, Seattle, WA (2010)

  • Taught graphic design and typography

Instructor, Relief Printing Workshop, The Gage Academy, Seattle, WA (2009)

  • Taught a one-day workshop on relief printing techniques, guiding students through the process from carving to printing.

  • Focused on introducing basic printmaking techniques, including block carving, inking, and print production.

Guest Lecturer, The Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA (2002–2009)

  • Delivered lectures on the graphic design industry, focusing on agency workflows, project management, and the roles of key players within a creative team (e.g., designers, art directors, account managers).

  • Provided mentorship and guidance to students on navigating professional design environments, helping them understand client interactions, the creative process, and the business aspects of working in an agency.

Guest Lecturer, California State University of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA (2003–2006)

  • Delivered lectures and workshops on building a professional portfolio, emphasizing key elements such as design presentation, project curation, and tailoring portfolios to industry standards.

  • Provided mentorship and guidance to students on how to showcase their work effectively, highlighting what potential employers and clients look for in a portfolio for the graphic design industry.

Expertise

Hard Skills (Technical Abilities & Expertise):

  1. Graphic Design

    • Mastery of design principles: composition, balance, hierarchy, and harmony

    • Expertise in digital design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)

    • Proficient in typography and visual design principles

    • Portfolio development and presentation, with a focus on tailoring portfolios to industry standards

    • Ability to design across multiple mediums (digital and analog)

    • Conceptual design and visual storytelling

    • Experience in design for both print and digital media

    • Photography direction and photo shoot management

    • Experience with web design and content management systems (e.g., basic HTML, WordPress, etc.)

  2. Painting & Drawing

    • Proficient in traditional painting and drawing techniques, including oil painting, watercolor, and sketching

    • Experience in various styles (realism, contemporary, abstract)

    • Knowledge of color theory and value studies

    • Strong understanding of composition and spatial arrangements in visual art

  3. Curriculum Design & Instruction

    • Experience creating and developing a stand-alone BFA program in Graphic Design

    • Designing curriculum for various art and design courses, focusing on both theory and practice

    • Ability to teach a wide range of courses: Graphic Design, Typography, Portfolio, Visual Development, Painting, Drawing, and more

  4. Project Management & Collaboration

    • Ability to manage creative projects from concept through completion

    • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including clients, account managers, and creative staff

    • Expertise in project scheduling, resource management, and deliverable tracking

    • Experience in creative direction and leading design teams

  5. Branding & Marketing

    • Extensive experience in brand development and rebranding (including visual identity, packaging, and marketing strategies)

    • Expertise in creating marketing collateral such as brochures, guides, and promotional materials

    • Experience in designing for various industries, including automotive, entertainment, and retail

Soft Skills (Interpersonal & Personal Attributes):

  1. Leadership & Mentorship

    • Strong leadership abilities, both in the classroom and within professional creative environments

    • Providing mentorship and guidance to students and junior designers, helping them develop their skills and professional portfolios

    • Fostering collaboration and creativity in group settings

    • Managing and mentoring teams to deliver high-quality work within deadlines

  2. Communication

    • Effective communicator, able to deliver complex ideas and design principles to diverse audiences

    • Skilled in presenting design concepts and educational content both to students and clients

    • Ability to lead client meetings, prepare presentations, and act as a liaison between clients and creative teams

  3. Creativity & Innovation

    • Constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, incorporating both traditional and contemporary techniques

    • Strong problem-solving abilities, using creative solutions to address client needs and teaching challenges

    • Encouraging a culture of imagination and idea generation in the classroom and professional work environment

  4. Adaptability

    • Ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning styles and changing trends in the art and design industry

    • Flexible in adjusting to new technology and design tools, as well as evolving industry practices

    • Skilled at balancing multiple projects with varying deadlines and expectations

  5. Time Management

    • Excellent organizational and time management skills, balancing teaching responsibilities, creative projects, and professional commitments

    • Managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines without compromising quality

  6. Collaboration & Teamwork

    • Strong collaborator, working effectively with interdisciplinary teams and clients

    • Ability to inspire and motivate teams while ensuring the successful execution of projects

    • Experience in facilitating workshops and lectures, helping individuals and groups develop their creative potential