The story that drives my art is simple:
I believe that war art, unlike any report or statistic, gives America the clearest picture of how her young citizens use their hearts and hands to shepherd this nation to a greater good. In all my work, I also want to communicate the deep relationships that are shared among those that serve, and, those that they protect.
People often ask how I was drawn to this life. I was blessed to have grown up with a father who was an architect and a mother who was an interior designer. From both parents, I developed a love of plein-air sketching of architectural structures as well as their dramatic interiors. These early experiences were further bolstered by considerable formal studies surrounding art history, architecture and sculpture.
Over the last 30 years I've been honored to contribute to the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, lead sensitive federal national security programs, design and create some incredible exhibits, and to deploy to combat zones to document military history and collect battle artifacts.
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
With a rifle in one hand, and a sketch pad in the other, my combat service in the Battle of Fallujah inspired a return to my art.
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 do this Work
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
– Michelangelo
I first realized the power of art 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.