I am an artist. Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1991, I have come to the conclusion that the primary reason I create artwork is because that is what I do. Does it mean anything? Of course it does. Is there a process? It is fluid. Why do I have to explain msyelf? I don't know. It's actually sort of a pain in the ass, being an artist. Whom else among you is expected to explain themselves all the time?

The visual arts, like language and music, are a means of communicating ideas, thoughts and emotions. I find it is best to use as many forms of communication as possible.

My collages are visual dramas expressing ideas randomly pulled from my subconscious. They are a regurgitation of the information both willfully and unknowingly absorbed by my mind. They are a reflection of decisions made and lessons learned. They are a combination of choices. They represent the objectivity of a positive attitude; making the most of what I have.

Generally, I work on several collages at once to create a unified series. Source material is selected based on aesthetics, concepts, symbolic potential, and what is handy. Sometimes I seek a specific image and sometimes the right image presents itself. I am in no hurry. There are times when it takes months for a collage to come together. Images cut or torn from books and magazines must be rearranged repeatedly until all elements of the composition rest in harmony. Once the final layout is at peace, I fix the pieces in place using ph neutral adhesives, linen tape, thread, tacks, nuts & bolts, etc. Finally, I mat and frame each collage myself.

The creation of a well-balanced and interesting composition is my primary concern. While I create collages as a means of communicating, it is difficult even for me to understand exactly what it is they are communicating. Initially, I have no intention to say anything. My collages are actually nothing more than evidence of creative activity. However, in much the same way as a viewer might, I look for meaning in each collage when it is finished. The introspective analysis is always pleasurable and surprising. It is therapy, and it comes naturally, from within me. Making collages is something that happens when you are me.

Books are another story. I learned about letterpress printing and bookmaking in college and it stuck like Crazy Glue. After making my first book (for which I received a C), I was hooked. While never having been much of a reader, I became fascinated by the idea of books as little hand-held worm holes people may use to escape from this world into another. I was also a bit flabbergasted by the power to create them. That's the cerebral end of it.

Then there's the physical end of it. One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is the alphabet. Always has been. I started drawing letters a long time ago, like everyone else, only I drew them with a lot more thought. Not as much thought as a professional type designer, perhaps, but enough to make it obvious to me that I was more interested in it than other people, and for that reason maybe I was put here to be a graphic artist. And then I pursued it. Along with letterpress printing, I was introduced to typogrpahy in college. As Fortuna would have it, I purchased my own press and a half-ton of type in 1995. Bottom line is: I love setting type by hand, I love printing on my flatbed cylinder press, and I love binding books. Creating worm holes is another thing that happens when you are me.