My folk art embraces people, places and culture.  I like to pick through the clutter of civilization and extract the good, fun, interesting and unique aspects that I find worthy of salvaging.  Valuable elements of enchantment, mystery and joy are associated with all people and places and it is my job to hunt them down, preserve them and promote them. The use of salvaged construction materials is an integral aspect of my art because it ties the piece to history and place.  Each painting has a physical connection to a structure that now stands or once stood.

The concept and design process can begin at any given time on any given day but usually takes place during the long commute to my day job. The ideas for my art can be triggered by a personal experience such as reading, some place I’ve been, the food I eat, a person I meet, or a song I hear.  Most of my creations are painted on scrap plywood, oriental strand board, and other salvaged material from construction sites, commercial dumpsters and refuse piles.  I prepare the raw materials by removing nails, cutting them into particular shapes, sanding and priming when necessary.  Once I have finished processing the raw materials, I apply a design and color scheme.  I use mostly acrylic paint and latex house paint that would otherwise have found its way to the landfill. I occasionally distress the piece using sanding and staining techniques.  Due to the irregular shapes and sizes of my art, I try to incorporate a decorative border. Once dry, I apply a protective clear coat, which gives the piece a lively and homogeneous finish.  Finally, the mounting hardware is attached and the piece is complete and ready for exhibition. 

I like to think of my art pieces as kitschy roadside attractions on the highway between vintage and pop. The process of making art from salvaged materials and meeting people who want it displayed in their living and work space gives me great satisfaction and a sense of purpose.  Making and exhibiting original art is an opportunity for me to use my talents while spreading joy to others. I feel that creating something of value from the discarded is an important and relevant concept to pass on to my children, and to my viewer.