As a kid I watched my father paint and draw in our living room. He would play Jazz records, smoke cigarettes, and sit in front of an easel pouring his vision out onto a blank support surface. The smell of linseed oil overpowered the natural smells of the small home and the colors he would mix would make everything else blur by comparison. I used to think he was a magician or at least and angel. I’m afraid I was right on both accounts. As my first teacher, my father significantly encouraged my creative side. He always let me use his colored pencils and paper as I tried to make something happen artistically. He would always remind me not to sit and wait for things to happen, but to make them happen. I realized later that he was speaking on more than art making. I attended the School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH and graduated majoring in art. From there, I went on to Central State University and studied under the likes Abner Cope, Leroy Porter and Dr. Bing Davis, artists who gave me foundation and challenged me to push my gifts to a higher level of expression. Unfortunately, I did not listen too well and decided to stop art making for more “practical" pursuits. Thankfully, though, I was given a chance to pick up the gift that I foolishly chose to put down. As I define my aesthetic it is important for me to accept the truth about myself as an artist despite how unpopular it seems to be in the dialogue of the post modern art movement. My process is purposefully grounded in fundamentals. I work to hone my skills so that there is a strong foundation on which I can build whatever I want, artistically. My influences are those artist, both past and present, who adhere to a system of balance to create meaningful and relevant art. As a student, teacher and practitioner I view study as critical. Currently I am pursuing post graduate work at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. With it I hope to pass on the inspiration of creation that has been passed on to me.