Lunch Time with Darth Vader (Collaboration with Tony Porto) Sculpture

Having worked as an architect for twenty years, both in Chicago, IL and Brisbane, Australia, I've channeled my disciplined approach to the medium into creating captivating glass artworks. My journey took a significant turn in 2005 when I assumed the role of Co-Director, overseeing the many site-specific and public art commissions at the studio. My roots as the child of a Chinese/Filipino immigrant and as a grandson of Greek and German immigrants have profoundly influenced my artistic expression. The tales of my family's histories and their struggles to assimilate have become a perpetual wellspring for my narrative artwork, which delves into the intricate realm of identity comprehension. In recognition of my artistic endeavors, I was honored with a Fulbright Scholarship in 2012. This remarkable opportunity led me to the University of Sunderland in England, where I also contributed as a teacher at the UK's National Glass Centre. It was during this time that I had the privilege of serving as an Artist-in-Residence at the esteemed Institute for International Research in Glass (IIRG). Notably, the Massachusetts’ Fuller Craft Museum hosted a solo exhibition featuring my glass panels and sculptures back in 2011, and my creations were proudly incorporated into their permanent collection. My artwork has also found its place in the esteemed collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Tacoma (WA) Museum of Glass, Florida’s Imagine Museum, Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Indiana, The Museum of American Glass as well as the artwork collection at the US Embassy in Bucharest. My dedication and contributions to the arts were recognized by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities when I was bestowed with the 31st Annual Mayor’s Arts Award for "Excellence in the Arts." The Lowe Museum in Miami has named me its 2024 Distinguished Artist.