Media, politics, popular culture, nature and human nature become the resources from which I design my wooden creations. I examine objects and ideas for their potential of form, and expression hoping to create a work that offers a delicate balance between the two. An essential element for any successful work of art is the creation of a dialogue between the viewer and the work, to invite the spectator, listener, or reader to take part. I try to initiate this invitation with my sculpture by applying the commonplace, using accessible, comprehensive topics, and most of the time some element of humor.

I am also attracted to objects, the found object, and the history or antiquity of an object. A weathered surface, a patina that only the hand and continuous use could create, exposes a simple beauty, it indicates life. Contemplation of an items original intent or utilitarian function fuels a desire in me to transform the configuration into a new whimsical structure, a work
of art that blooms, growing from reality, taking cues from nature and human nature.

Small Sculpture

Little intimate objects have a tendency to allure. Like a gum ball machine draws a child, the small sculptures necessitate attention. The small works are a fusion of the little trinkets that stimulated my imagination as a child with the caustic, influx of issues we face as adults. They are a snapshot, a comment on social movement, or a personal preoccupation with
a particular issue.

The Guns

A poignant statement concealed as animated or worn playthings, the guns represent the disconnected association of the objects and their true purpose, their severity of function and the unmindful placement of the weapon within the reach and imagination of children. They refer to the artless and nonchalant nature in which violence is referenced. The guns allude to the future and the negotiating tactics or campaigns of our civilized society.

Born in 1971 in Fort Worth, Texas. Received a B.F.A. in 1996, M.F.A. degree in 1999. Built a studio in 2002 in Paige, Texas.


EDUCATION

1999 - M.F.A. Degree, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

1996 - B.F.A. Degree, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas


SELECTED EXHIBITIONS


2004 - Snap-shot, T.R. Rodriguiz Gallery, Austin, Texas

2003 - New Works, University Gallery, East Central University Ada, Oklahoma

2002 - Rhythms, Scarborough-Philips Gallery, St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas

2002 - Alumni Exhibition, Griffith Gallery, Stephen F. Austin State University,      Nacogdoches, Texas

2001 - XYZ, Mixed Media Event, Warehouse Gallery, Austin, Texas

2001 - Larkspur Gallery Houston, Texas

2000 - Introduction Exhibition, Epixenter Gallery, Houston, Texas

1999 - The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, Covington, Kentucky

1999 - M.F.A. Exhibition, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

1999 - The 35th Annual, Greater Hamilton Art Exhibition, Fitton Center for the Arts,      Hamilton, Ohio

1999 - Zoom Gallery Ann Arbor, Michigan

1998 - Neo-Industrialization, Gallery 26 1/2, Oxford, Ohio

1998 - Sculpture Along the Trinity, International Juried Competition,
     Fort Worth, Texas

1997 - Texas National Exhibition, Juried Exhibition,
     Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas

1997 - The 24th Annual Juried Exhibition, Masure Museum of Art,
     Monroe, LouisIana

1997 - The 52nd Annual Juried Competition, Museums of Abilene,
     Abilene, Texas

1996 - Museum of Fine Arts Competition, Art League of Houston,
     Houston, Texas

1996 - Annual Juried Competition, Stephen F. Austin State
     University, Nacogdoches, Texas, Awarded 2nd place

1996 - The 23rd Annual Juried Competition, Masur Museum of Art,
    Monroe, Louisiana, Awarded best of show

1996 - B.F.A. Senior Exhibition, Frame Designs,
     Nacogdoches, Texas


LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES/ HONORS


Awarded Full Scholarship, (1997-1999), Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Graduate Assistant (1997 - 1999) Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Graduate Assistant Teaching Position, (1997-1999) Miami
     University, Oxford, Ohio

Graduate Student Representative (1998-1999) Miami University,
     Oxford, Ohio

Visual Arts Club Advisor, 1998, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Recipient Graduate Achievement Award, 1998, Miami
     University, Oxford, Ohio

Recipient of the Carl Schlicher Outstanding Art Graduate Award, 1997

Stephan F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas


PUBLICATIONS


The Daily Sentinel, October 5,1995, Vol 96, No. 90

Masur Museum of Art, Museum News, March 1996, Vol 8, No.1

The Texas National Exhibition Catalogue, 1998

Miami Herald, March 4, 1999