I've been asked my opinions about art and artists many times down through the years. I usually have a strong position and frequently offended people with what I had to say.
There is enough offending of others in this society right now. I've never seen so many ignorant people getting their feelings hurt about things they actually know little or nothing about. A celebration of stupid where the emperor has no clothes. Rather than become part of that nonsense, I intend to present what I do as an artist and what I think about that.
I am a visual artist; I draw and paint. I have been a sculptor and printer, but degenerative spine and joint problems have ended those days. I still think of the canvas or paper as the basis for two-dimensional sculpture. I try to create the illusion of depth. I want the viewer to feel like they can reach into my paintings and see and touch the back side of what is flat.
I produced some abstract work in art school and down through the years but it's not my thing. If you have to explain to the viewer what they are looking at, there is a disconnect in communication in my opinion.
Installation Art and political statements in art are all the rage but that's not my thing either. I've been on some rough roads and my experience and knowledge guide me, not any pseudo-philosophical horse shit. I offend both sides of the political fence. I paint what I see and feel in my mind's eye.
I paint and draw the western landscape because it is where I feel at home. I seek out the places where man's footprint is light. I have been fortunate to live and work in some very special places in this magnificent land.
More to come...
