Artist Statement


I lead a dual life of medallic sculptor, and studio artist focused on bas-relief sculpture. The two disciplines perpetually inform and inspire each other.

I love bas-relief for its perfect marriage of the tactile nature of sculpture with the illusional qualities of drawing. It can depict effects such as shadow, transparency, and atmosphere which are not usually attributed to sculpture.

Themes of duality and challenging old stories with new twists are portrayed in my work through symbolism and the human figure. My style of contemporary realism is inspired by classic Italian art and ancient Egyptian carvings, heavily influenced by modern Polish sculpture, specifically in the juxtaposition of positive and negative spaces.

The scale of my work ranges from hand held coins to standing monuments. The coins and medals are struck at a variety of private mints. The bronzes are cast at an art foundry and then I apply the patina to each one by my own hand.

2017 marks my 30th year as a professional artist.


Biography


Most people are surprised to learn I did not attend any art school or college. Still I don’t like to call myself “self-taught”. I built my autodidactic education with a tower of books, museums of the world and the kindness of other artists.

I had declared my decision to be an artist at the age of just 6 years old and began drawing constantly, but when I started sculpting at age 18 something really clicked. I spent the next 11 years working as chief engraver at the Sunshine Mint in Coeur'd Alene Idaho where I participated in all aspects of the minting process from design to production. I headed up the sculpting department at Las Vegas based Global Mint for the next 5 years before going freelance. Now I work out of my own studio for all kinds of clients around the world.

I stay active in the art community by my involvement in art organizations such as AMSA (American Medallic Sculpture Association) and NSS (National Sculpture Society). Over the years I've trained over a dozen artists as medallic sculptors in my studio. I am a strong believer that open sharing of information among artists makes us all stronger.

It is my great pleasure and priviledge to be serving my second four year term on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee for the US Mint. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience to work as a conduit between the public and the US Mint. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.


Commissions


I am currently accepting commissions as my schedule allows. I'm always happy to answer questions and give guidance where possible.


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