Oil and Acrylics

During a class critique in college one of my painting professors said to me (in front of the entire class) "When you ain't got nothing, you got nothing to lose". I don't think I ever saw that man smile.

Ink

Exploring mono-printing while living in California deepened my insights into acceptance and the practice of letting go. Ink behaves unpredictably. As I etched my figures, I couldn't wait to see the mirrored images looking back at me.

Markers: acrylic + permanent

There is no better sensation for an artist than to experience the smooth glide of our medium. Give me fresh acrylic marker with a pointed brush tip, or a crisp dense smelly permanent Sharpie, and my night is made. And so are my Cards of Courage and customized wallpaper. You'll find that the designs and patterns I feature on them began here.

Charcoal and Craypas

(and maybe some skin for added texture)

I know something is up with me when I grab my charcoal, craypas and kneaded eraser. Like the time when I was broke, I cut open and laid flat paper shopping bags for "canvases". I just went at it, blending and pushing my finger tips to the extreme. At the end of my work session my hands were a colorful shredded mess but my mind was clear.

Pencil

Pencils are where my signature swirls originated. (Can you recall the scent of a freshly sharpened pencil in elementary school?) Pencil work can be revealing—it provides insight into the artist. It can also get you into trouble at school.