Born in 1959 in Redding, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1981. After graduating my work was primarily abstract, non-representational paintings which settled into mixed media work. At that time I was experimenting with different mediums to create a heavily textured surface.
Working with mixed media led me to an interest in using metal. At first I incorporated metal into the pieces, then I began to integrate old doors and windows as the canvas to create on. The figure first appeared in the mixed media pieces by transferring photographs onto the canvases of doors and windows. The work "Passage", incorporated photos of figures on vellum paper, adhered to the surface of an old screen door. From there, I began using Liquid Light to transfer photographs directly on to the canvas instead of using assemblage.
I have always loved drawing the figure, which, for the last decade, has been the focus of my work. In 1999 I was inspired by a retrospective of Joan Brown. Her work reaffirmed to me that the figure, as a subject matter, has significance, even if the painting’s are about one’s life. When working figuratively, I will chose imagery that will render a glimpse of the people I’m depicting, as to tell a story of an event that took place. For example, in the painting "Wild Animal Trainer", I’m trying to capture the memory of the Golden Age of the Circus, which was a big event for cities and towns of all sizes. People would pose in front of the posters advertising the circus coming to their town. " Wild Animal Trainer" thus incorporates the date when I took my son to his first circus.
Juxtaposing people in most common circumstances against intricate and lush backgrounds along with the use of vibrant color. While the subject is in the forefront, the compositions explore divided surfaces of foliage, slips of fabric, wallpaper, carpet and old buildings. The paintings are like writing in a journal; they offer a intimate glimpse of the subject rendered.