In all of my endeavors, my artwork and creations stem from an early and ongoing appreciation for working with ones own hands and working with materials at hand. I am inspired by organic, aboriginal and traditional art and music from around the world, as well as traditional methods and tooling. The most so-called primitive cultures have knowledge, approaches and viewpoints which defy modern sensibilities. To me, art itself, to a large extent, defies most modern sensibilities. I love pastoral landscape scenes, beautiful flowing scroll work, Celtic knot work that is a rich playground for the eyes, and even the most simplistic Viking runes and hand wrought, hammer beaten metal. I love to create individual, unique items as well as to work within a particular genre and style, at times inventing my own.
I am a juried artist with the Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia retail facility in Beckley, WV.
Biography
I am an artisan, with a very eclectic and broad collection of interests, expressions, and creative endeavors. As an artist, I have never settled for one medium or mode of expression, but have been led on a path of lifelong learning in exploration of a great many. Currently, and for nearly 3 years, my deep passion and daily study is hand engraving, using time honored methods with only manual hand tools. Much of my tooling I have either made myself, modified and repurposed, or designed and had made to my own specifications. I often innovate. I really enjoy re-purposing and making by hand any custom tooling that I need to be able to create unique art, jewelry, and curio items. I am experienced in silversmithing, metalworking and machining, drawing, painting, and folk musical instrument making.
Other Creative Skills
Drawing, Graphic Design, Jewelry-making, Leather Crafting, Metalworking, Painting, Sculpting, Textile Design & Artistry, Woodworking
