Introductions

Left- My Brothers Keeper, 22 h x 4 w x 12 d, stoneware and rust paints

Right - Water of Life, 7 h x 20 w x 5.5 d, stoneware, stains and clear glaze

My favorite course of study has been ceramics. The depth of artistic freedom and knowledge of the science behind producing the pieces seems endless and keeps me wanting more.

The longest paper I have written is 12 pages long. It was for a philosophy and society class 2 semesters ago.

I have enjoyed writing in the past. I wrote a short fantasy story a long time ago and really enjoyed the process. Now I don't really take the time. I am so involved in the studio.

The latest book I've been reading is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a great study into what society sees as excellence or genius and how those people got to the top of their field and made an impact and a ton of money. Before that I was caught into the world of the Dune novels written by Frank Herbert and then his son Brian Herbert and novelist Kevin J. Anderson. They are the greatest stories I have ever read.

The architect Frank Gehry has always impressed me. His creations always are visually stunning and new breaking a lot of rules along the way.

Besides art I have always been into athletics. I enjoy playing tennis, basketball and golf a lot. I also love to play pool and long walks on the beach and a bottle of wine to share with that special someone. Grrrrrr!

I do pay a lot of attention to politics. This started in 2000 when Bush stole the presidency. I recently have sworn off following it though as I have become very disheartened by our current administration. I have been an ardent support and believer that he could be a philosopher king and make changes in the way we do business, but the most recent capitulations on the debt ceiling and of course the bush era tax cuts has pushed me away. Its politics as usual and the Tea Party has guns, hatred and followers that idolize a system from 200 years ago backed by a ton of money. I need time to focus on my art.

The Arab Spring throughout the Middle East and northern Africa is really amazing. We are witnessing historic change for so many people that are giving their blood and soul to live a freer life. Kind of an ironic statement seeing as how in the previous statement I have given up while they give their lives.

My idea of opening up intellect is to put myself around as many different types of people that I can throughout life, and see them always as an equal human being living a life. There's a lot of characters out there to learn from.

Thanks all for reading