I started to attract art into my life fairly young.  I recall having very “regimented” catholic grammar school art teachers.  One, Mrs. Anderson – who’s hardened southern accent pushed out edicts about our assignments in such a way as to say “now I really mean business” – gave me the first rule to break.  “Stay within the lines” she said.  Of course, all the teachers were trying to get us to do things like that.  One time, I drew only on the outside of the outlined piece.  Needless to say, I did not get an A.

My parents were (and are) very supportive of my art. Back then, they poured me into the station wagon on weekends and drove me into downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio for private lessons.

In high school, I really scored.  I started taking art classes freshman year with Mr. Craig.  He encouraged me to be “in” my art – and the lines flowed hither, nether and yan.  I started to dabble in: pastels, charcoal, watercolor, lithography, etchings, ink, and jewelry.  Throughout those four years, no artistic endeavor was squelched by our leader, Mr. Craig.  I do believe I was one of his favorites.  Such a mild mannered man – quite a gentle spirit.

I ended up picking a favorite medium at that time: oil painting.  I would retreat to the cool, damp basement in our house and paint.  At that point – the art – although expressive – was constrained and very traditional.  The spirit had not yet been unleashed!

Those high school years were a time of intense creative experimentation for me.  I submersed myself in theater, debate, poetry and writing in addition to the art.  All were outlets for creative expression that I was soon to lock up in the basement for many years.

I decided not to pursue art in a traditional sense in college.  The discussion senior year of high school was:  “if we go to college and study graphic design, after graduation we venture into the corporate world, and “they” will impose “deadlines” on our art.  The client will want the design by Friday.  Well, gosh – we were artists…that’s way too much pressure on our creative expression!  I ended up majoring in communications  – and found myself in radio, television, journalism, photography and continued to experiment and dabble.

Photography was my artistic expression primarily toward the end of college.  I shot black and white, with a manual camera –fishing my way through F stops, bulk loading of film and dark rooms.

Then – I am launched into the corporate world, where I remained until 2004.  The study and practice of direct marketing primarily exercised my left brain: data, analytics, conversion, sales.  However, the creativity was used primarily for problem solving. And business is wrought with problems to solve.

Over the past three years or so, a little voice inside of me said “paint.”  I listened to the voice, took note of the message, but did not take action.

In March of 2007 – I met a friend who wanted to transition from the drudgery of a union blue collar day job to full time painter.  His art was male, emotive, raw, and abstract.  He said “come along, pick up the brush.”  We went, bought the supplies, and set up an easel with a blank canvas.  On top of the easel, he placed a very seasoned paint rag.  He left – and I stared at that easel for five days.  He called and said “did you paint yet?”  I said “no.”  After the conversation, I took another look at that paint rag … that was all the courage I needed.  The next day I picked up a brush and have never stopped.