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It was at about the age of thirteen I began taking my interests in visual arts seriously. In High School I took an elective art course every semester and my achievement in these courses gave me my greatest sense of accomplishment at the time. I enrolled in college with a major in Art and Education, however, a death of a close friend in my second semester altered my life view and the path I was to embark upon.
I moved to Iowa City, Iowa and got a menial job. I began drawing almost daily and maintained this regimen for almost two years. I had a friend in art school in Iowa City, he taught me to stretch a canvas and other basics of painting with oils. I was twenty one when I first began painting with oils and the relationship between paint, canvas and the anticipation of a future observer; is for me a life force that nurtures me as no other.
I have painted for over 30 years while also maintaining full-time employment. I painted after work, weekends and most of my vacation time. I attended First Thursdays (San Francisco’s monthly art show openings) frequently and the local museums habitually. I have educated myself by reading art criticism, art history and art magazines. This by no means replaces the experience and knowledge that comes from an MFA or other art degree. But perhaps I have gained as much as I have lost! One of my favorite art critics and historians is James Elkins and in 2007 I read his book “Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A Handbook for Art Students”. Though perhaps not Mr. Elkin’s intention what I learned from the book gave me greater confidence in my knowledge, my path and my artwork.
I retired in 2005 from my corporate job and am now concentrating on my art exclusively. I am in my studio daily with time taken off to market my artwork. I’m developing my skills in marketing but more important is my development in the studio. The affects from the exposure I’m now getting have gone from fear and anxiety to inspiration and challenge. This inspiration has given me even greater impetus to create artwork with the belief that art reminds us of the splendor in everyday things.
Press
San Francisco Chronicle: Datebook, Oct. 12, 2008 Cover story on Open Studios; Windows on the Artist’s World. Selected as one of 8 artists to be profiled for Open Studios.
The City Star, October 12, 2007, Featured Open Studios Artist.
San Francisco Chronicle: Datebook, August 26, 2007, published image of my oil on canvas painting “The Occupant” submitted by City Art Gallery 828 Valencia, SF CA.
Shows
Big Deal 2008, Visual Aid, SF, CA Nov. 8, 2008
San Francisco Open Studios, October 2008
First Thursdays at Urban Eyes, 212 Sutter St. 2nd Floor, SF, CA, Sept. 4, 08-Oct. 30th, 08
Gallery del Grotto, Solo show, 1590 Bryant St. SF CA, August 2008
City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia, SF, CA
Oct. 08, Sept. 08, Aug. 08, June 08, May 08, Feb. 08, Jan. 08, Dec. 07, Nov. 07, Sept. 07, Aug. 07, July 07, June 07, May 07
Café Arrivederci, San Rafael, CA March 2008
“Serenity”, UCSF Center for Reproductive Health, curator: Artworksf, Feb. – April 08
City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia, San Francisco, CA
Feb. 08, Jan. 08, Dec. 07, Nov. 07, Sept. 07, Aug. 07, July 07, June 07, May 07
Big Deal 2007, Visual Aid, S.F., CA Nov. 2007
San Francisco Open Studios, Oct. 2007
“Is Dada Dead?” O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley CA Nov. 2006
Big Deal 2006, Visual Aid, S. F., CA Nov. 2006
San Francisco Open Studios, Oct. 2006
Sweet Inspirations, S.F., CA Feb. 1997