I was born and raised in Neihart, Montana. Growing up with few possessions, the mountain behind our house became a giant playground full of nature’s wonders from moss covered rocks to spring creeks. My love of what nature could produce was firmly rooted.
My family moved to California when I was in my teens, and I eventually graduated with a degree in design and industry from San Francisco State University. I worked for a custom plastics company for the next six years, but when the company moved in 1974, I realized my true passion was in sculpting. While this was happening, a stream of industrial model-making jobs flowed in and shortly my art career was put on hold in order to tap into more profitable jobs to raise our family. The Plasticsmith became the company name I would use for the next 33 years. The work served the purpose of putting our kids through college, but I could never shake off the “art bug.”
About 20 years ago, I started carving pieces from wood during the spare time I could find. A few years later, I started sculpting with clay. In 2007 I closed down my business, which finally gave me the freedom to pursue my real calling. I began working with traditional clay pieces, then turned to a 2-part epoxy clay mixed with wood, wire mesh, steel rods and foam. This opened up new dimensions and many odd creatures were born.
I feel fortunate to have the time, and honored to share my works with whomever may enjoy them.
RESUMÉ
1969, B.A. Design and Industry, San Francisco State University
1974 - 2007: Owner of The Plasticsmith
In 1974, I opened a custom modeling and plastics shop in my basement, then subsequently to three increasingly larger locations to accommodate my growing business. Starting with one employee, I expanded to eventually eight employees, plus my spouse and occasional temporary workers to meet the needs of my customers. Much of my work revolved around the growing tech/electronic and medical industries taking off in the Silicon Valley area, manufacturing housings for electronics, medical trays and protective packaging to ensure safe transit of products. I also developed several proprietary products for consumers, including a laptop stand and a clipboard with storage.
2007 - Present: Freelance Artist
My fascination with the animal world combined with an impulse to imbue their actions with a sense of humor are the driving forces behind most of my creations. I employ two-part epoxy clay, wood, aluminum, plastic, steel and foam to form my pieces and draw satisfaction from the experience I had working with a variety of tools and materials while in the plastics industry. I take pleasure in situating my creatures in precarious positions nonetheless secure to leave the onlooker wondering “how did he do that?”
RECENT JURIED GROUP SHOWS (BY INVITATION)
2023 “Absolutely Abstract” Modern Visual Arts Gallery PA
2023 “Inspirations” Exhibizone Exhibitions Online
2023 “Tear and Smiles” Exhibizone Exhibitions Online
2023 “Call of the Wild” Southern Calif. Open Regional Exhibitions CA
2023 “Still” Art Fluent MA
2023 “All Media Show” Art Works VA
2023 “Humor” District Arts MD
2023 “Scenic 2023” Exhibizone Exhibitions Online
2023 “Sweet Life” HMVC Gallery NY
2023 “Small Works 2023” Jag Gallery FL
2023 “Spirituality – 2023” Gallerium Art Online
2023 “Intersection: Identity & Culture” Falls Church Arts VA
2023 “Fun with One” Del Mar Artisans VA
2023 “It’s a Steal” Arlington Artists Alliance VA
2023 “50 & Older” Las Laguna Art Gallery CA
2023 “”Genre Arts Exhibition” Naturalist Gallery DC
2024 “Nature Exhibition” Naturalist Gallery DC
2024 “What is Love” Allegany Arts MD
2024 “Music to my Eyes” Falls Church Arts VA
2024 “String Theory” Cultural Center at Cape Cod MA
2024 “Trranquillium-2024” Gallerium Art Online
2024 “Nature Exhibition” Naturalist Gallery DC
2024 “Humor Exhibit” Naturalist Gallery DC
2024 “A Spring Thing” McLean Art Society VA (received Honorable Mention)
2024 “Labor Day Art Show” Glen Echo Park MD
2024 “Locally Sourced” Arlington Artist Association VA
SOLO SHOWS
2011 “Odd Birds” Artists Gallery MD
2016 “Whimsy Gone Wild” Willow Gallery MD
DUO SHOWS
2012 “A Pulse of Nature” Artists Gallery MD
2014 “Birds, Beasts & Besides” Artists Gallery MD
2017 “When Words Aren’t Enough” Artists Gallery MD