The following article was originally published in the Lander Art Center‘s Fall 2018 newsletter featuring my status as the new Artist in Residence.
While my background is certainly eclectic (I’ve designed costumes for the stage, created 3D models for hydraulics engineers and researchers, produced concept art for video games, inked comics, designed posters, and pitched an original animated series to Nickelodeon producers to name a few things) there is an underlying trajectory that ties it all together, and that is a love of communicating ideas through visual media. My curiosity is relentless, which pushes me towards investigation and experimentation, traits which are reflected in the diverse nature of my creative background. I don’t think there’s any question that everything I’ve learned over the years guides my hand today. The main difference between past pursuits and what I do today is that I am now free to access that accumulated knowledge to create work that is a reflection of my independent spirit. That is something that I find very valuable.
The title itself (referring to his exhibition, “Virgin Land, Myths and Narratives”) is a reflection of the mythology unique to the American West that I have an interest in exploring. ‘Virgin Land’ is a phrase that refers to the mind set that helped fuel westward expansion, an image of eighteenth century origins that depicted a vast territory teeming with natural resources, untouched and ripe for the taking — a veritable Eden-like wilderness ready to be conquered and brought to heel. The land itself provided the genesis for much of what belongs to the mythological canon of the American West, including the complicated history of ownership, land-use, independence, and masculinity. My show will delve into these themes using a variety of media — including ink illustrations, oil paintings and mixed media pieces — and a variety of stylistic modes to pose essential questions about the cultural narratives we have created for ourselves
Many of the visual themes of the show will be familiar to residents of Wyoming, having been inspired by the natural wonders and stories we, as Westerners, are surrounded by and immersed in. Each piece will contribute to the comprehensive flow of the entire body of work, but each will provide a unique story in and of itself — a vignette, so to speak — that will supply viewers from a variety of backgrounds plenty of joy. If you have an interest in the American West and its lore, you’ll want to come to this show. The opening will be especially fun: plenty of art, endless stories and conversation — and drinks provided by our friends from Jackson Hole Still Works featuring my artwork on their Highwater Vodka label. It’ll be a blast!
My artistic practice is driven by more than a singular aesthetic, it’s driven by purpose, and that story should be reflected in the way the work is represented. As a proponent of education and personal development, I think it is important that I pass along what I’ve learned, which is why I’m very excited to be leading several classes at the Lander Art Center. Knowledge isn’t something I believe should be hoarded, it’s something to be shared. Despite what many artists would have you think, the process of creation is more than the resultant gift of a muse or the work of ‘divine fury’, it is the result of learning, purpose, and passion, which is why I find it so important to share my experience. If I can help empower a flourishing artist, I feel like I’ve made a valuable contribution. I hope the future will bring more opportunities for me to share my experience, skill-set, and thoughts on art, narrative, and culture.
Most importantly, as an artist I want my work — visual, written, or otherwise — to make a discernible impact. It’s not enough to be commercially successful or to be sought after for a distinct, trendy aesthetic. Idealistic as it may sound, I want my pursuits to help make a better tomorrow, which is why I plan on not only continuing to develop shows that are thematically meaningful and complex, but I’ll continue to teach, lecture, and write about subjects that I believe deserve our attention.
A pdf version of the original article can be found at the following link: