“Hip to be Square” is a three-dimensional painted wood wall sculpture that is a manifestation of my fascination with the interplay between form, light, and space.. Hidden beneath the sculptural elements are colored LED lights that provide a subtle change of color to the spaces and surfaces without destroying the sculptural integrity of the work. There is an architectural flow to this piece which draws viewers into a place of artistic exploration and magic. Typically, a square denotes something or someone who is unexciting, unadventurous, mainstream or dull. In this piece, the shape of a square is used frequently, either physically or implied and is manifested in a way that creates dynamic spaces. Shapes overlap each other and are suspended to appear like they are floating in space. The colors of the embedded lighting can be modified by the use of a smart phone app to change the mood of the artwork. The predominant color is white as it helps to unify the shapes while adding a soothing sculptural quality to the work and forms a neutral background for the colored lighting. It is my intention to create a space where the rigidity of geometric forms meets the fluidity of light and shadow, thus fostering a dialogue between the tangible and the intangible. This piece, like much of my recent work, seeks to uncover the magic that resides within the intersection of creativity and structure.

Not For Sale - Currently part of the permanent art collection at DeVos Place Convention Ctr., Grand Rapids, MI

As an artist and mixed media sculptor, I seek to challenge perceptions and ignite dialogue through works that confront pressing social issues and explore abstract concepts. My creations emerge from the intersection of tangible materials and intangible ideas, giving physical form to the complex tensions that shape our world. At the heart of this recent work lies a profound concern for the state of American democracy. Inspired by the tumultuous events of January 6th in Washington D.C., I've crafted a piece that serves as a stark metaphor for the dissolution of our democratic foundations. This date, ironically significant in Christian tradition as the Epiphany, became a dark epiphany for our nation - revealing the deep fissures threatening to tear apart our social fabric. Through a visceral interplay of form and void, my sculpture embodies the widening chasms among Americans. Fragmented structures and precarious balances mirror the delicate state of our political landscape while ironically still maintaining an overall aesthetic balance and harmony. Materials clash and merge, symbolizing the paradoxical way our quest for political and religious freedom has led to divisive ideologies that now endanger the very democracy they aimed to secure. My creative process is one of constant dialogue between concept and medium. I allow the material, primarily plastic in this instance, to speak to the synthetic nature of our human relationships. Jimmy Carter once remarked, "We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic: different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different dreams." Today, as false information spreads and stubborn ideologies persist, our democratic system is slowly crumbling. We're shifting from a vibrant mosaic to a melting pot, a change that's splitting our society. Despite America's roots and core values of religious and political freedom, a rigid "my way or the highway" attitude now threatens these essential liberties. Furthermore, the growing influence of minority and special interest groups in governance is fueling distrust in our governing bodies and justice system. It is my fervent hope that those who encounter my art will experience more than mere observation. I aim to provoke a visceral response - a moment of genuine discomfort that leads to profound reflection. For it is in these moments of confrontation with our collective shadows that we can begin to imagine new possibilities for healing and unity. Through my work, I invite viewers to join me in grappling with the urgent question: How can we bridge our divides and reinvigorate the democratic ideals that once united us?

This three-dimensional wall sculpture is crafted from white PVC. It strategically employs light and shadow to create dynamic, playful shapes, revealing an intricate dance between negative and positive voids. This arrangement not only enhances the visual interest of the piece but also produces a captivating illusion of physical form, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of depth and perception from various angles.

"The Knock Out" is a charcoal drawing on vellum, inspired by my experience at a live event that had a profound impact on me. Using a quick drawing technique, I aimed to capture the raw intensity and visceral energy of a knockout. With each stroke of charcoal, I sought to emphasize the sheer brutality of the moment, while the broken glass represents the force and drama that unfolds in an instant. This piece is designed to immerse the viewer in the breathtaking emotions evoked by such a powerful spectacle.