Artist Statement

It's hard to make a general statement about my work that would fit all the categories and styles I use. However it's safe to say that all my pieces are influenced by my experience and contact with various cultures. Over the years the influence of Asian culture has had strong influences on my work, not just in terms of subject matter but in terms of the use of space and aesthetics.

Some of my works over the last several years have been based on Japanese Ukiyo-e and Meiji Era prints. In these I've borrowed the elegant patterns and flowing kimono designs, but added design, roundness and color that can't be had with a block print. While Ukiyo-e were prints, I've done them in watercolor, acrylic, and pen & ink, allowing a richer gamut of color, more free flowing design and depth. These pieces are dominated by rich color and beautiful, elegant form, with a juxtaposition of tightly controlled design and explosive backgrounds.

I tend to use a lot of ink pen in my work, especially with architectural drawings. I love the use of line, and the texture created by the use of lines. I've heard it said that there is a difference artistically between line and stroke (the brush), and yet pen work contains elements of both. The use of line in a pen & ink drawing and etchings creates interesting texture and definition that I've always been "drawn" to.

Some artists who have influenced me are Rembrandt, Picasso, MC Escher, Rene Magritte, Victor Hugo, and Monet. There are also lesser known contemporary artists who have influenced me, like Bob at the airbrush stand in Waikiki, and Rich, and Tom Brown from Baltimore. Although name dropping of well known artists both deceased and contemporary displays a historical knowledge of the field and imparts a sense of educated well roundedness, it's the lesser known everyday artists whose real and immediate labors of love inspire me the most on a daily basis. Seriously.

About the Artist

I grew up with a passion for art, and I started college as a Fine Art major, although I eventually listened to reason and finished college with degrees in both linguistics and political science. Subsequently, during most of my life I have worked in international business. However, over the years I have also worked by night as an airbrush artist, book illustrator, t-shirt design artist, web designer, photoshop expert, and have exhibited my art work and photography in numerous shows in the US, Hawaii, and Japan.

In 2005 I left the corporate world, and moved back to Japan for two years to focus on my artwork and photography. Since then I've started a fine art reproduction and giclée printing business, and am dedicating more and more of my time to my own art, making it a full time vocation.

My work has been influenced by my extensive travels and time spent living overseas. While attending university as an undergrad, I spent two years in Europe and Africa. I attended graduate school at the University of Hawaii, and then moved to Japan in 1990. Since that time I have spent nearly 10 years living in Japan, immersing myself in the language and culture, which has influenced my work in terms of style and subject matter.

2010 Exhibitions

Kobo Galleries: Selected works on display in the Internatiniol District and Capitol Hill

Kaywyn Gallery, Bothel, WA: February 6th - March 16th.

April - May: Overlake Hospital South Tower Lounge (Bellevue, Wa)

June: Bellevue Public Library (six pieces on display)

September: Eastside Nihon Matsuri

2009 Exhibitions

Daniel Smith Art Supply, Bellevue, WA: March - April 2009. Artist Invitational.

Overlake Hospital, Bellevue, WA: April 19th - July 19th. Bellevue Public Art display through EastSide Association of Fine Arts.

2008 Exhibitions

Eastside Association for Fine Arts show at Trilogy Lodge, May 2008

RAYS (Renton Area Youth Services) Auction

Seattle Sampling, Artist Studio Tour 2008

2007 Exhibitions

41st Oita Fine Art Show: Art Plaza Exhibit Hall, Oita, Japan (February 2007)

50th Oita Prefectural Fine Art Exhibit (March 2007)

Usuki Art Show, Usuki, Japan: Award for Kyoto Geisha painting, acrylic on Fine Art Paper

Seattle Sampling, Artist Studio Tour 2007

2006 Exhibitions

Usuki Art and Photography Exhibition, Usuki, Japan: Ryugenji Temple, and two photos entered. Took honorable mention for Ryugenji Temple

Bienare Ushiku, Ushiku, Japan: Painting Exhibited: Hito, Mizu, Midori

World Artist Network Gallery Opening in Baltimore, MD.