Artist Bio:

I have a BA in Studio Art/Commercial Art from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (graduated Magna Cum Laude). I have 20 years experience with graphic design, illustration and logo design, both in print and electronic forms. I am based in Tazewell, a small town in the North-Eastern part of the state of Tennessee. My concentration is currently focused on fine art and illustration. My work is currently displayed at Art Market Gallery and räla Gallery both in Knoxville, TN and also Red Z Gallery in Mount Vernon, OH. I maintain my own artist website, I have a Facebook presence for my art and I also have a selection of pieces listed on Etsy.com.

Artist Statement:

My paintings come from a long time passion for humor, color and simplicity. I strive for art that is approachable, humorous, slightly biting and subversive all at the same time. My influences stem from early Japanese movie monsters and iconic super heroes, to old toy robots and current vinyl toys, and from classic monster movies and Tikis to cephalopods. My color choices are generally quite vivid and well thought out so as to uphold the whimsical and approachable style. I hope to continuously move forward with these ideas, always keeping a bright and humorous bend to my work.

I like to approach each piece with my sights set on placing the subject matter in situations or scenarios that wouldn't normally befit such figures. You'll see lots of puns, plays on words and odd situations for these little characters I come up with. I think my use of 3-dimensional elements helps to not only emphasize this, but it also adds to the humor, intrigue and depth of each piece. My graphic design background always had me pushing the idea of trying to visualize three dimensions in what was largely a two dimensional medium. With this work I can break out of that mold and make some robots and octopi jump off the page!