The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there and the battlefield is the heart of man.

A sense of place and purpose is deeply important to my work.  Aesthetically, I am influenced by the small homely beauty of my family's Kansas farm, as well as the rich bustle of my childhood home, Kansas City.  A cradle Catholic, my love for my faith and for the Traditional Mass has been one of the most important things in my life, only bolstered in adulthood by my liberal arts education.

I create art to reveal the beauty and wonder inherent in everyday experience.  As an aspiring writer, I find meaning and symbolism in the most everyday objects.  I draw and paint to express that meaning.

When it comes to my work, I like to find a delicate balance between realism and stylization, using as few strokes as possible to convey the impression I am seeking.

Although I enjoy experimenting with new media, fundamentally I prefer to develop my skills with tried-and-true methods.  

While I have taken on a few commissions over the years, the majority of my artworks are created as personal passion projects or as gifts for loved ones.

In addition to creating art myself, I have occasionally taught private or group lessons.