I couldn't ask for a better life than the one I have now...
Over the last 30 years I've been honored to contribute to the Marine Corps Combat Art Program as a sculptor and artist, to lead sensitive federal national security programs, and to deploy to combat zones to document military history and collect battle artifacts. All this has been accomplished in climes both harsh and comfortable as well as both dangerous and safe - and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Before all of this, I was drawn to this life by growing up with an artist/architect father, from whom I developed a love of watercolor compositions, plein-air sketching, and architectural depictions of the structures around me. My mother instilled in me a deep love of curated interiors through her work as an Interior Designer.
It's not a stretch to say that my work has been greatly informed by all these experiences - it's shaped me into something unique in the marketplace. I'm a combination of Program Leader, Creative Director, and Marine Officer. These three pillars help me deliver concrete results which are sensitive to artistic requirements and are delivered with the understanding that teams collaborate best when they're driven by people centered leadership and care.
To view my professional background and learn how we can bring this unique set of skills to your creative challenge, please visit my LinkedIn profile here:
Combat Artist and Historian 2004 - Present
I first participated in combat operations as a Field Historian and Combat Artist in Al Ahnbar Province, Iraq during Operation Phantom Fury in 2004. I accompanied infantry assault units and it was my job to record events of historical importance for the Marine Corps Museum System and History Division. I completed field sketches and renderings of combat action and collected battle artifacts and came home to begin sculptural and fine art representations of our Marines in action. I have written extensively for official USMC History publications and conducted speaking tours regarding the 2nd Battle of Fallujah.
Why I Became an Artist
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
– Michelangelo
I first realized the power of art and my artistic abilities when I crafted an enormous crucifix as a very young man. I cobbled it together from mirror scraps and brown paper and walked it up the isle at mass. It deeply affected people, especially the Nuns, who had tears in their eyes. I took that experience and pursued architectural and art studies. After retiring from the Marine Corps and then private industry, I realized my proudest moments were my work visually communicating the deeds of Heroic Americans. My battle experience as a Combat Artist would drive my decision to return to creating original art which communicated the finest aspirations of our country and the people who serve it.
Inspiration
I'm drawn to work that reflects the special qualities of western civilization and the history of our great nation:
Sabin Howard (sculptor)
Charles Sargeant Jagger (sculptor)
Augustus Saint-Gaudens (sculptor)
C. Paul Jennewein (sculptor)
Dwight Shepler (painter)
John Singer Sargent (painter)
Howard Brodie (painter)
Henrik Wigström (jeweler)
Adam Stockhausen (set designer)
John De Cuir (set designer)
Advice to New Artists
“Creativity takes courage.”
– Henri Matisse
Be courageous and just start. Pick up a pencil, pick up a scalpel, pick up a stone chisel and just start doing it. Then, keep doing it, a little every day. Devote time to your work and an interest in getting better. Finally, work to quickly grow your skill sets and find your style.
Your art is better than you think it is. Your art is YOUR art. YOUR path to artistic improvement is what people will come to admire about your work. A good art critic will see your talent and progression and value it on your merits, a bad art critic will compare you to others. You’re not Rembrandt but you’ll be “you” and your art will be a bright reflection of what makes you and your art special.