Statement: I agree that art is a mode and a means for communicating.

Overview of Artwork as a Result
I use painting and drawing materials to convey a duality of intrinsic dynamics and at times, surroundings that compliment them. Transitional states of decay, incompletenes, competing light, tenacity and imposing solitude are themes of an ever-present darkness in my work. This use of media is my exercise in resolving periphery conflict and anxiety. The work beckons the kindred spirit of emotional transparency. The statement of my work reflects my belief that hope is a decoy.

Overview of Artwork as a Process
My work process is inspired by the work of Dr. William Glasser. Glasser influenced contemporary methods of Behaviorist Therapy in his book Choice Theory. I apply therapeutic methods of Glassers theory in the conceptual process of making my work. The ten axioms of Choice Theory are popularly summarized. The artistic applications are italicized.

1. The only person whose behavior we can control is our own. I cannot control the reaction of the viewer.

2. All we can give another person is information. I can give visual data to help communicate expressively.

3. All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems. Each piece I create
is a new relationship and a problem.

4. The problem relationship is always part of our present life. I am always making art, making problems in vicarious attempts to solve other problems.

5. What happened in the past has everything to do with what we are today, but we can only satisfy our basic needs right now and plan to continue satisfying them in the future.
Based on the past, I have a physiological need and drive to create. It is beyond a vision to be artistic. It is integral to my experience to be human.

6. We can only satisfy our needs by satisfying the pictures in our Quality World. I satisfy my needs by making creating visual moments of that environment.

7. All we do is behave. That is debatable in my case, ha ha. My determined action through formal decision making on the canvas.

8. All behavior is Total Behavior and is made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiology. It is my attempt to synchronize these four components into the work as naturally as possible with candor.

9. All Total Behavior is chosen, but we only have direct control over the acting and thinking components. We can only control our feeling and physiology indirectly through how we choose to act and think. The act of creating work allows me to feel without inhibition. This helps me to think healthy and be physiologically sound.

10. All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and named by the part that is the most recognizable. I am accountable for the work I make. I take criticism without defense and escape routes. Each action is a intention to create a state of being, empowering the work to be a series of intentions rather than happenings.

Glasser’s model for Choice Theory is a logical concept to approaching the making of art. Chaos is predicated by vulnerability. By being vulnerable to one’s self, chaos may ensue, requiring resolution. My work is a result of this resolution.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2009
Manhattan: New Art Center; Group Exhibition

2008
Brooklyn: TBA Lounge; Group Exhibition w/Fresh Surface Art NYC
Harlem: Duet Exhibit at Maggie’s Garden; NYC Restoration Project

2007
Warehouse District, Brick by Brick 2007, Street Banners: Minneapolis, MN
Regis Center of Art, U of M: “The Glass Eye”, Video Exhibit: Minneapolis, MN
Regis Center of Art, U of M: Olfactory Installation, B.A. Exhibition: Minneapolis, MN
Lincoln Gallery: Minneapolis, MN

2006
Minneapolis Institute of Art Grand Opening of New Edition: Minneapolis
Red Hot Art Festival: Minneapolis

2005
Red Hot Art Festival: Minneapolis
Stevens Community Center of Arts “Mixed Palette”: Minneapolis, MN
Stevens Community Center for Arts “One of Each”: Minneapolis, MN
Kinship Mentoring of Superior Fundraiser: Superior, WI

2004
Red Hot Art Festival: Minneapolis
Wakefield Studios “Mom is really mad…”: Minneapolis, MN
Manhattan Arts and Antiques Center/Window Space: NYC

2003
The Fallout “Summer Art Festival”: Minneapolis
Red Door: North Dakota
Alley Show: Uptown “Back Alley Devastation”: Minneapolis, MN
Babylon International Gallery “Drawing Resistance”: Minneapolis, MN
Babylon International Gallery “25 Equal or Lesser than 25”: Minneapolis, MN

2002
The House “Teeth are for falling out”: Minneapolis, MN
The National Theatre for Children “Fundraiser”: Minneapolis, MN
Intermedia Arts “Sold on Art”: Minneapolis, MN
Rogue Buddha Gallery “War & Peace”: Minneapolis, MN

2001
Thomas Barry Fine Arts “Visible Fringe Soiree Benefit”: Minneapolis, MN
Intermedia Arts “Involved”: Minneapolis, MN
Borealis “Works from 2001”: Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin Center for the Arts “Visual Fringe Festival”: Minneapolis, MN
Rogue Buddha Gallery “Visual Fringe Festival”: Minneapolis, MN
Acadia Cabaret “One Night at the Visual Fringe Festival”: Minneapolis, MN
Patrick’s Cabaret “One Night at the Visual Fringe Festival”: Minneapolis, MN
Walker Art Center “One Night at the Visual Fringe Festival”: Minneapolis, MN
NoName Exhibitions at the Soap Factory “WAC Hot Art Intrusion III”: Minneapolis, MN

1999
Tweed Museum of Fine Art “Biological Illustrations”: Duluth, MN
Beaner’s Central “Compilation of 3 Sub-Conscious Years”: Duluth, MN

1996
Milwaukee Art Museum “National Scholastic Awards Gold Key Exhibit”: Milwaukee, WI