Artist's Statement

As an awarded commercial artist, I recognize concept, color, composition, and balance as elements of picture-making. I was raised in Salt Lake City and now reside in Logan, Utah. I have always been interested in art, and have been called an “all-around creative brain,” having a wide range of interests, knowledge, and creative abilities.

For the past 25 years, I have explored small-scale fine art, works outside of my usual art direction or commercial applications. I've produced both digital and traditional art. Digitally, I invented a process called Mergings in which I combine different photos to create a new image. I have published a book on the subject, spoken about it, and demonstrated it publicly. Traditionally, I have used water-based paint, with either wood, canvas, or paper to create two- and three-dimensional pieces. Bright or harmonious color combinations are standard. The idea of permanence in materials is important to me with the physical art I produce. This is because of the unknown longevity of digital art.

Pop art, influenced by my profession in publishing and advertising, has had the biggest impact on me. Art was always personally rewarding to me. In my education and without much thought, I went in a commercial direction. I can now see how that helped me develop some skills but not others. I come to the process without confidence or fear. Currently, I identify with the idea of Art Brut, given that I've created my own style in isolation. I have been inspired by a range of artists from Miro and Kandinsky, to Man Ray or Rauschenberg, and especially Warhol. Some pieces begin with a humorous, clever, heady, or obsessive viewpoint - but finding surprising, eye-catching, and well-designed solutions to any problem is what I find most fulfilling.