Two Leaves Print

My Life as an Artist, In the canvas of my youth, I drew the world beyond various windows, creating what I affectionately called 'window art.' As a budding artist, the scenes outside became my inspiration, each stroke capturing the beauty and nuances of the changing landscapes. The chapters of my artistic journey took a significant turn when I inherited my father's collection of books on ancient architectural designs. Though my father had a general interest in architecture, it was the ancient structures that captivated me. The intricate details and timeless beauty depicted in those books opened a gateway to a passion that would shape the course of my life. Then one day while driving throughout Maine, I stopped in Monson Maine where it became obvious that this area had an overwhelming amount of black slate. After becoming aware that this slate was easy to carve, as I tried writing my name on it with my knife, I became very intrigued with the possibilities. I then rushed to do research at my local library and found a book written by an author named Frank Eliscu where he described how to carve slate. Other than reading this book I consider myself as being self-taught. One of my most prized pieces is a 3 x 3-foot carving of a city seal done for the city of Lewiston, Maine, where I reside. I was recently awarded by the city mayor for doing that carving. The pinnacle of my architectural odyssey unfolded in Greece, where I had the privilege of walking through the hallowed halls of the Parthenon Temple. The weight of history pressed upon me as I treaded the same steps as generations past, dating back to the zenith of Greek society. This profound experience ignited a fire within me, and I committed myself to studying the ancient architectural discipline. Amidst my journey, there was a yearning for something more as in a paternal approval that remained elusive. My father's untimely passing at the age of 62 left me desperately seeking a nod of acknowledgment for my chosen path. I held onto the belief that he was watching from above, appreciating my bas-relief carving artwork, and guiding my artistic endeavors. This conviction fueled my dedication to architectural design, turning it into a lifelong pursuit. Today, I express my gratitude to my father, whispering a heartfelt 'thanks, Dad' as I shape history into tangible art through my bas-relief carvings.