ART

What was the inspiration for the work in the "Conflicted Harmony" show?

On April 27th (2009) I was violently attacked in my University Heights apartment-sustaining severe trauma in the form of facial contusions, multiple fractures, ocular trauma that rendered me unable to fully open my left eye for nearly a month, and a concussion that noticeably altered my memory and cognitive abilities. In the subsequent months I returned to my studio with renewed passion, energy, and a new state of mind to produce a body of work unlike anything I had previously envisioned. It is my hope that you will enjoy the experience of this work as I invite you into the uncensored depths of my mind to catch a glimpse of the other side.
Describe your overall artistic philosophy in a single sentence.

My goal is to illuminate the human condition through the exploration of Conflicted Harmony.
What other art has you fired up right now?

I’m generally locked in my studio so I don’t get out much. I did see some great work in LA a couple weeks ago when I did some gallery visits. I’m pretty fired up right now about a collaborative project I’m working on with photographer Ron Brillantes and Diana Drake (Enigma Fasions). Stay tuned!
Pivotal moment in your development as an artist?

My decision to stop worrying about what other people thought and focus on making the work I need to make. My approach to my work and the business of art is a little unique, but I prefer it that way and I would never change for anyone or anything. If you are true and sincere in what you do, others will feel it.
Artistic goals yet to be achieved?

Pretty much all of them. Some of my short term goals are gallery representation, a show at a respected LA gallery, a review in a reputable publication, and I want to be in the next Pacific Coast edition of New American Paintings. I’m just getting warmed up and have a lot of exciting things that I’m going to make happen sooner rather than later. Remember my name and keep an eye out for me because when I wrap my mind around something I make it happen!
Best thing about being an artist?

The struggle…
Worst thing about being an artist?

The struggle…
The moment you knew you were doomed to be an artist?

I knew I was born to do something with the word “pain” in it so my choices were pretty limited. The funny thing about being an artist is that you don’t choose it…It chooses you. Even though my work is difficult for me at times, the pain of holding it in and containing it supersedes how I feel producing it. That was part of the motivation for my painting “The Pain That Heals The Hurt.” At some point it just explodes out of me and onto the canvas or panel. Everything in life has a cost-it’s the basic principle of the alchemic law of equivalent exchange-you must sacrifice to gain something of equal value.
Most influential person on your career as an artist?

Jane Brucker has been my mentor and artistic foundation since the first time I picked up a paint brush. I would still be making art….but without her…I would not be a painter and I would not push myself as hard as I do. She did so much for me that I owe it to her to do something with my life.
Number one thing you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

I want you to feel the beauty that pain can bring. If I can illuminate the darkness within your life in a manner that allows you to turn it into a positive or have an experience of personal growth, then every sacrifice I make is worth the pain.

LIFE

Who would you most want to trade lives with for a day, and why?

I would never want to be anyone else…even for a single day…and I pray that no one would ever have to be me.
What books are you reading now?

I’m not really into book readin’…probably why I’m a visual artist and not an art historian. I like art books…cause they have pretty pictures to look at.
What music is playing in your vehicle right now?

Right now I’m listening to “(You Want To) Make a Memory” from Bon Jovi. It’s a special song to me because I share it with my Muse whom has been a great force and positive energy in my life as of late. Andy Warhol had Edie Sedgwick, his factory girl, and now I have mine.
Besides art, what are your greatest passion(s)?

Finding the negative things in my life so I can make them beautiful and create new art.
Something everyone needs to know about you?

I’m honest and sincere to a fault and will never be anything other than myself.
What you'd be doing if you couldn't do art:

I would cease to exist…
Death Row last meal?

I’ll be sipping on black label Southern Comfort while putting back soft pretzels and Sour Patch Kids.
Guilty pleasure?

As open and honest as I am, I think I’m going to have to plead the fifth on this one.
Favorite status symbol?

I think I have to establish a status before the symbol can follow…but I would probably say my latest tattoo because the concept was derived from the assault and battery that inspired my new series. It has been a part of me every single moment since that night…it’s just now visible for others to see as well.
Words of wisdom for today's misguided youth?

Don’t be afraid to be different…Be afraid to be the same…