9/25/2008

Artist FAQs

'You're a Painter? So what do you?'
This is by far the most asked question. Here, I have photos. When I don't have photos at my disposal, it goes something like this... "I'm an impressionist by nature, but am a professional designer as well... so that world seeps in and distorts the impression, as does my love for modern architecture, interface, pattern, typography, slience, healing and the dazzling combination of salt and chocolate. You mix all that together and you get big ole mess."

'Where are you From?'
I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Maryland. I schooled in Baltimore, partied in Boulder, found myself in Sedona and am currently living with my wife and son on the outskirts of DC.

'Oil or Acrylic?'
Acrylic. I have no patience for oils and eventually you learn to make acrylic do the same thing -- if you want to.

'Are you formally trained?'
Yes. Formally trained as a graphic designer and formally apprenticed as a sculptor. I tried teaching myself to paint, but could only teach myself what I already knew. I wanted to learn what I didn't already know... so I asked the paint to teach me, and the paint accepted.


'What school?'
UMBC. University of Maryland, Baltimore.
B.A. Graphic Design Program from 1988-2002.

'When did you start painting?'
1991 or 1992. Boulder, Colorado.
I actually painted a few in college

'How did you start painting?'
Out of the blue I walked into an art store on University Blvd. in Boulder, Co. one day... bought some paints and some Arches Paper, went straight home and painted my first painting. I didn't paint another.

When I moved away I accidently left it on the wall, and a year later I got a package in the mail from my friend Big Seth. It was my painting and a note -- "ras...I went to a Christmas party at our old place and your painting was still on the wall, so I grabbed it and ran! Here it is."

This inspired me. so the next day I put up a canvas and started painting my second painting.

A few days later, a friend came to visit, saw the painting and bought it. Then he put me up at the beach for the summer with canvas and paint, and I painted my next 15 paintings or so. It was so magical I just never stopped.


'How do I get a painting?'
The best way is to ask my wife.


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