I love to create.  Art is an inescapable and demanding and joyful process.  

My CV/Bio is very "a la carte" - no particular art related applicable degree - a self guided course of eclectic selections - always balancing precious resources of time, money and energy.

I have been blessed to have worked with some of the best instructors and artists on the planet.  They are reflected in all of my successful work and I have to take full responsibility for the rest. 

I am always stretching, testing, and working the boundaries of materials, concepts and execution.  There is tremendous energy in taking risks in art.  Some of it flows, some of it rises in flames... Fire and Water...

The key to success in art  - as in much of life - is 10,000 hours.  I joyfully dedicate myself to 10,000 hours of reading about art, looking at art, studying art, taking classes and workshops, teaching art and creating art.

How do we learn, how do we create, how do we find our "life's work" in art - these are questions for which each artist must seek their own answers - my answer is found in my projects.

My ART - My art is held in corporate, public, medical facility and private collections in Europe and the USA.  My paintings have twice been invited to hang in the Michigan State Capital Building.  I have had solo public exhibits in Michigan public libraries, Arts and Cultural centers, and governmental offices.  I have had 4 consecutive acceptances in the prestigious International Society of Experimental Artists annual exhibits and have been awarded Signature status in ISEA.

Some of my projects are -

Fire and Water ART! - my fabulous 1600 square foot gallery in historic downtown Lowell Michigan.  Here I have my working studio, teach classes and enjoy the company of 25 leading local artists.  Thousands of original artworks and the largest selection of original unframed art in the area.  High ceilings, wooden floors, colorful walls and wonderful art.  Come in and have a cup of tea and enrich your life with art.  Art, gifts and custom framing. www.fire-and-water-art.com

Yellow Dog - 15 + paintings / a dozen photographs / a book / a solo art exhibit - my artist's reaction to the threatened destruction of the pristine wilderness area near Marquette MI by the Kennecott Eagle mine.  You need to know more about this important issue www.savethewildup.org

Travel - my annual trips to the Atlantic coasts of Europe - usually the Dingle Peninsula of Ireland - feed my fascination with Signs and Symbols from prehistoric and ancient times, reward me with vast horizons and restore me with heart achingly beautiful ocean energy.  Most recently in April and May 2009 - 31 original paintings and a book.  To see some of the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula see www.dodingle.com

DVD movies of my travels - these are usually exhibited during my "talks" about traveling and painting.  Yes, if you would like me to talk to your group about Ireland, Neolithic Art or my travels as an artist - please contact me.  Neolithic, Prehistoric, Ancient and Indigenous Art takes my breath away...

Art Books - I self publish through www.blurb.com/bookstore and I paint in - and from time to time construct - original one of a kind artist books.

Teaching and Instruction - I offer classes by appointment at Fire and Water Art - see www.fire-and-water-art.com for descriptions.  I teach classes and workshops in 3 hour to 1 week sessions for 1 to 15 students.  Workshop and Art Retreat lodging is available at a local art center for groups of up to 15.  I look forward to working with you!

ISEA - The International Society of Experimental Artists - this group has inspired me in countless rewarding ways.  To learn about the ISEA annual exhibits see  www.iseaartexhibit.org

Thom Jayne - a talented and inspiring musician - who is kind enough to allow me to use his rich and powerful music in my DVD movies and presentations - his music is the soundtrack of my art - www.cdbaby.com/thomjayne2