Instead of the usual, boring resume-type biography, I thought I'd just tell you a bit about myself. So, here goes.

 

I was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1966.  My parents moved to a valley flanked by two mountains and a north-running river called the Shenandoah. I grew up on this river and a rope swing. I am the second oldest in a family of seven brothers and sisters — all of whom I am close with. My upbringing was both extraordinarily unconventional and excitingly rich in a variety of experiences and opportunities. I always have taken the road less travelled; and this has made all the difference. My parents, both artists, influenced me as a child — and continue to create work and inspire me. My mom (a painter) nurtured my creative side and saw my gift early. She instilled in me a curiosity for life and people from around the world. Dad (a sculptor) developed my skills and provided me with an unprecedented platform to create art. His humor, ability to play on words, and unmatched resourcefulness have given me an advantage in working comfortably in many mediums.

 

I joined the Peace Corps and went to West Africa. There I became absorbed in traditional African art. The Malians are exceptionally skilled and accomplished artisans ‚ and I learned of many traditional techniques. I am grateful for my Mali experience as well as all the other travels I had abroad. These helped shape me as a person — and as an artist — and have given me many different lenses to look through. Upon returning from Mali, I earned another degree in education and went to teach in the Canary Islands. I surfed each day, ate wonderful food, and bought a welder. I built hundreds of sculptures under the blazing sun on a terracotta roof top. Some were good and some were not so good — but they all found homes after each art show. It was here I realized and acknowledged that I had a real gift.