Artist
Statement:
I started drawing and painting as a child. I experimented with all sorts
of mediums and surfaces, including my bedroom wall (approved of by mom).)
I have no real formal training to speak of, other than the random high school
art class. Several years ago, I decided that I would ONLY do things that
I loved to do. While designing some tattoos for my new “career” as
a tattooist, the designs turned into paintings and I have been painting full
time for a living, ever since. Some times I envision what I want to create,
other times the image evolves from a series of mistakes or flaws. The mistakes
always seem to turn into the best stuff. Many of my favorite pieces have
been yanked from their death from the waste can. Remnants of destruction
inspire me; a rotting hose, a molded, chipped doll’s hand, anything
really grimy. I prefer water-based mediums as well as lead, steel, leather,
wood and natural fibers of all kinds. I make dolls, doll houses, boxes, toys,
stuffed animals, sculptures and paintings. Born in 1961, I was raised in
Chicago, now living in Michigan. Of Swedish descent, I watched my grandfather
paint beautiful and unusual landscapes, sitting barefoot in poison ivy, deep
in the woods, so as not to be disturbed. He never got any poison ivy.
I just lock my door.
