Embracing the Sunrise Sculpture

I was born in 1949 in the south end of Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from South High School in Columbus. After school, I spent two years in the Marine Corp and served proudly in Vietnam. I have been married for over 44 years and have two daughters and three grandsons. I am a self taught artist who first became interested in art around the age of 12. As I became older and my interest grow, my father sent me to the Columbus Art Gallery during the summer where I was able to learn more about art and the various styles and media. I spent time learning to sculpt in wax and clay and found this to be my true passion. I am finally at the point in my life that I have the opportunity to pursue my career in sculpting. After moving to Arizona in 1987, my family and I were able to capture the Native American influence that has always carried a special meaning to me. My great grandfather was full Comanche and my father has always inspired me to keep that part of my heritage alive. My wife gifted me with a Peace Pipe during this time and my friend, a medicine woman, encouraged me to decorate it. I found myself decorating them and it brought back my passion for art. I began making my own pipes, sculpting the bowls, individually stringing the beads and decisions as well as hand carving each wooden pipe stem. In total I have made over 35 peace pipes, of which non are alike. After making several pipes I chose to become more involved in my own art. I began to sculpt in clay again and completing pieces in bronze. I usually did not know what would become of a piece when I began. I would focus on a specific theme or animal and as I worked, it would form a life of it's own under my hands and guide me on how it wants to be. I enjoy working with clay because I am able to see the project in its entirety. I am able to view each piece from all angles and dimensions. When I finish, I feel as if I have been able to capture a special moment in time. I have a personal connections to each one of my pieces. I do not look to compete with others with my art. I am a perfectionist and enjoy showing how much I love what I do by making each piece a perfect and unique sculpture.