Briefly describe the work you do.

I have MFAs in Painting and Ceramics and currently work in in 2D and 3D.

At what point I your life did you want to become an artist?

My parents pushed music at an early age but when I was finally allowed to go to an art camp I knew art is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My mother and father were horrified.

Tell us a little about your background and how that influences you as an artist.

I had to fight to go to art school and I that fight stayed with me. Making art always comes first. It’s probably why I wasn’t a very good teacher.

What types of conceptual concerns are present in your work? How do those relate to the specific process(es) or media you use?

When I was a younger artist the concept or content of the work played a pivotal role. Now it’s all about the process. Ironically, my work has more content now than it did when I worried about it all the time.

We once heard Chuck Close say he did not believe in being inspired, rather in working hard everyday. What motivates you in your studio practice?

Chuck Close hmmm… I agree going to the studio every day and working hard is crucial, but inspiration lives in that space too. If something is uninspired most likely it’s not very interesting to look at. Making art is what I live for. That’s really all the motivation I need.

What artists living or non-living influence your work? 

Joan Mitchell, Howard Hodgkin and Mark Rothko are the artists I always look at.I saw a retrospective of Joan Mitchell’s work in New York and a retrospective of Rothko’s work in Paris. The memory of those shows and how they made me feel stay with me to this day.

When you are not making art what types of activities and interests do you engage in?

I read, not as much anymore, but I make up for it by going to plays and the opera. My partner, Fred and I go to every exhibition we can. Hate openings but love to see what other artists are doing.

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