I have always been drawn to natural, organic objects and choose to portray them with oil on textured surfaces. Often, I present my subject in "dynamic still life" with a shift of time through movement or growth-decay. I am originally from the rust-belt city of Rockford, Illinois. I left the manufacturing town to study fine art at Asbury College and find inspiration among the rolling hills and forests of rural Kentucky. Although consistently representational, I strive to create subtlety layered visual and philosophical metaphors. In 2005, I returned to the country's heartland where I am active in the local art community of Indianapolis, Indiana. Next to oil painting, my greatest passion is helping others appreciate art by teaching private classes.