Embarking on an artistic journey is like diving into the depths of one's soul, teasing out the threads of societal nuances, and dancing with the ever-changing global rhythms that accost us daily. For over thirty years, I've been on this adventure, converting personal reflections and insights into artworks that resonate deeply, captivating audiences worldwide with their subtle nuances, evocative plays of light, and dynamic movement. My art doesn't just tell stories—it challenges, provokes, and unveils fresh perspectives. It beckons viewers to contemplate our relationships with political issues, the allure of immense wealth, and the dynamics of power.
As an LA-based artist, my oeuvre has journeyed across diverse artistic paths and mediums. Noteworthy accolades include the esteemed Prize for Creativity from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation (’20) and an illustrious spot at the 58th Venice Biennale with "Processional" (“19) as an officially recognized collateral exhibition.
The Guggenheim Fellowship, long sought after on my horizon, represents a golden opportunity to amplify my artistic voice in contemporary art's vast dialogue.
The Genesis:
While paintings are my hallmark today, it was music that first enchanted my senses. My artistic passions began in rural Alabama—a place sparse on artistic inspiration, but rich in imagination's playground. During these early years, I played in a rock band and the powerful anthems instilled in me a reverence for raw emotion and the dynamism of group synergy. Horse riding, more than a pastime, was a dance with nature that taught me grace, discipline, and an appreciation for unspoken communication and my horse Sugar became my best friend since no one lived closely.
Drawing and doodling became my sanctuary, an avenue where my thoughts materialized into tangible forms while reading broadened my horizons, enabling me to traverse cultures, and daydream without ever leaving my seat.
Collectively, these diverse pursuits laid a rich and intricate foundation for my artistic evolution, each activity informing and enriching the other, shaping my unique perspective and approach to creativity and fortunately for me, I had parents that were supportive of all these pursuits.
My educational journey had several twists and turns and started at a small local community college, Wallace Community College. Here, I graduated Cum Laude (’84) with an AA and honors and most importantly, I met an inspirational teacher Robert Bean who helped to steer the rest of my life. His guidance helped push me to open my mind and explore every avenue available in my life.
Following this, I was awarded an academic scholarship to Belmont University in Nashville, where my passion for music found resonance, culminating in a BA (’88) in Music as a vocal performance artist and a minor in English literature, which remained a passion, enriching my musical studies with its intricate narratives and diverse voices, adding depth and nuance to my overall educational experience.
The L.A. Chapter:
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the city's boundless life, good weather, and creativity beckoned me. This sprawling metropolis, pulsating with artistic energy, created a shift in my creative endeavors. In the confines of my modest apartment, blank walls became an empty canvas yearning for color and life. Spreading canvases out on the floor, I began painting— an act of personal expression, initially to give my small apartment some warmth and vibrancy.
Friends were drawn to the emotive qualities and dynamism of these pieces and began acquiring them. Their initial purchases, rooted in genuine admiration, spurred a deeper passion, and need to create within me. As word spread, it wasn't long before notable collectors also began collecting my work. The resonance of my art soon found a place in their hearts and my life’s new journey began.
My garage soon transformed from a place to park my car to my sanctuary, a studio where each brushstroke told a story, each color evoked an emotion.
Although my initial exhibits were modest, they resonated deeply, catching the discerning eyes of eminent art collectors and curators. In this city of angles, my artistic voice began to find its echo.
With the wisdom and mentorship of distinguished LA art luminaries like Mary Corse and Laddie John Dill illuminating my path, I immersed myself deeply into the intricate layers of the art world. Yet, at its heart, my foray into painting was driven by an unbridled passion, one that sprouted from humble roots and genuine exploration.
The Balancing Act:
To make ends meet, I embraced roles in teaching and even dabbled in the custom furniture business. Art’s irresistible siren song soon commanded undivided attention and I left my paying day jobs behind creating much doubt and fear about the future for a small-town boy.
The subsequent period was marked by intense self-discovery, and residencies where I experienced enriching dialogues—the American Academy in Rome (“06) and the Louise Bourgeois’ Artist Salon (“06) being particularly transformative.
A fortuitous Italian rendezvous with a husband and wife curatorial team, Cynthia and Renato Penna, ushered in many exhibitions over the years, including a revered placement next to the iconic Caravaggio at the Pio Monte della Misericordia where I was commissioned to create a work inspired by the great master that would not only hang with the Caravaggio masterpiece but also become part of the important permanent collection—a moment of profound humility.
Their amazing guidance has allowed me to exhibit with many of the museums and institutions in Italy including the Hercolano Museum at the Portici Palace (’21) supported by the American Consulate, the PAN Museum (’12), and a beautiful group exhibition discussing the importance of Luca Giordano at the Villa Bruna in San Giorgio (’11).
Global Footprints:
My art, reflective of universal sentiments, found resonance worldwide. From chance meetings to collaborations, my artworks graced revered establishments like the 58th Venice Biennale (’19), MAC Museum Germany (’20), Schloss Hohenstein Castle (’22), and the Stadtisches City Museum Deggendorf (’23). Other exhibitions spanned Cica Museum Korea (’20), Taipei Biennale (’23), and "Circle of Truth"—a traveling exhibition that’s been showcased in several museums including MOAH Lancaster (’19) and the New Museum Los Gatos (’18).
Germany has been a bastion of artistic engagements with venues such as Sight Galerie in Frankfurt (’23), Queens Gallery in Emmendingen and Zurich (’23), and multiple showcases at Bege Gallery in Ulm and the Karlsruhe Art Fair. Other global platforms include New York’s Berges Gallery and galleries around the world.
Honorary Mentions:
On this unexpected journey, I've been fortunate to collect some amazing accolades and shoutouts along the way. —Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant (24), the Icon Award (’21)- Los Angeles Beverly Arts, Best International Artist -MAVV Museum (’21), Best Foreign Artist (’15) -Bluduemila Art Foundation, the Pollock Award grant (’10) Pollock Krasner Foundation, and an Artistic Merit Award (’10)-Art 1307 but the most relevant and important was receiving the Prize for Creativity from the Pollock Krasner Foundation in 2019, making me only the third artist to receive this prestigious, nominated award.
Letters of commendation from global leaders such as the Prime Ministers of Bavaria and Hesse and a serendipitous Best Artist Recognition Award from the Art Non-Stop International Film Festival Buenos Aires in 2020 also adorn my journey's tapestry.
Future Horizons:
As I stand poised at the precipice of new artistic endeavors, the Guggenheim Fellowship could be a beacon of transformative potential for me and my artistic career. A significant milestone awaits in 2024, as I'm set to collaborate with the esteemed composer Greg Walter from UNC School of the Arts for an exhibition at Belmont University in Nashville. This initiative, conceived from an invitation extended by the University's President, is not merely a showcase but an academic confluence, meticulously designed to engage both students and faculty in its grandeur and depth. Such collaborations encapsulate the essence of my artistic journey – one of introspection, engagement, and interdisciplinary synergy.
With the rich mosaic of experiences I've been fortunate to gather over the years, I approach the Guggenheim Fellowship with genuine humility and gratitude, hopeful for the new pathways and opportunities it may graciously bring to light.
