About Me

I've always had a close connection to nature. I was born in a teepee deep in the Santa Cruz mountains, in a Buddhist retreat center called Vajrapani. My youth was spent running wild through the forest. 

My family's teepee, 1978

High school art class was a life changing experience for me. I took to instruction like a fish to water. My first acrylic painting was so much fun that I started painting at home every night. 

Working on my first acrylic painting, 1995 

After high school I worked as a construction laborer for about three years, planning on becoming a carpenter. In the middle of a particularly arduous stretch of work (I was jackhammering concrete all day, every day for a month), I had a conversation with a friend who made a strong case for going to college. I must admit, his timing was impeccable. I told my boss the next day that I would be attending Humboldt State University that fall. I received my bachelor's degree in studio art in the spring of 2003. 

For years after graduating with my art degree I continued to work as a carpenter, painting at night. But it was never enough. I knew I wasn't following my passion. I finally decided in 2011 that I would dedicate myself to art completely, whatever it meant. I struggled financially for years, even to the point of being homeless for a 6 month period. Eventually, my dedication to creating art every day started paying off in my increased skill level, productivity, and sales. 

I can now confidently say that I am a full time professional artist, and see no chance at all of going back to my "day job". I am eternally thankful to all of my collectors, from the early ones who helped me turn things around to the wonderful people that I meet every day at festivals, galleries, and online! 

Thank you so much for your interest in my art! Please feel free to contact me any time if you have any questions.