My first experience with art was at a young age. On Sunday mornings, I would watch in fascination as my father drew cartoon characters that appeared in the New York Daily News. He would draw as a form of relaxation and, as a child, I enjoyed observing that drawing process. When I was old enough to imitate, I began drawing cartoons myself and I, too experienced the therapeutic aspects of art. The concept, art-as-therapy would become the theme of all my artistic endeavors.

I grew up in northern New Jersey, in a large suburb of New York City. Suburban life made me feel stifled because there was nothing particularly creative about living in a textbook community where every house looked the same and every dad mowed the lawn on Saturday morning. I struggled to be content in this environment and had no interest in trying to conform. My discomfort led me to search for quiet places. I spent hours alone creating art, imaging myself elsewhere. In effect, I was practicing art-as-therapy to overcome my anxiety.

As a young artist, I expanded my cartoon drawings into actual comic books with stories. Art allowed me the opportunity to express myself and feel connected to a small group of like-minded friends. In my constant search for self-expression, I also discovered music as an art form. I learned to play the drums at 8 years of age and as I got older, my friends and I often escaped the doldrums and confusion of teenage life by playing music. Art and music also helped me cope with the bouts of depression I was experiencing.

During high school, I was able to participate in art classes such as painting, ceramics, and drawing. Feeling the desire to express myself more effectively musically led me to purchase my first guitar. I started to compose music and write poetry. After playing in numerous bands, I founded a rock and roll band called Ear Full of Pain, where I performed and wrote my own songs, such as “Checking Out the Checkout Girl” and “Don’t You Listen”. 

After a few years of working minimum wage jobs, I decided to attend technical school for electronics technology. That certificate landed me a status position in a large computer company. Although considered successful, I was not happy working within the confines of corporate America. I continued to create artwork and play music in my spare time. At the age of 30, I was able to attend college and learn about art in a formal setting. Still intrigued about the therapeutic aspects of art, I earned a BA degree in Fine Art/Psychology at Winona State University in MN. I then pursued a Master's education in Art Therapy/Counseling. My college training reinforced what I’d learned as a child, that creating art imparts psychological benefits such as, relaxation and stress-reduction. It provokes thought and insight and improves communication and problem solving. During and after college, I worked with disabled teens and adults and facilitated after school programs, teaching art-as-therapy. In those settings, I observed how art promotes emotional and physical healing, both in my students, as well as personally. Art was a significant therapeutic modality for helping me to overcome depression.

Recently, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to pursue art full time from my home studio. I currently reside in the picturesque Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with my wife Linda. In my community, I teach expressive art workshops to both children and adults. I continue to play musical instruments and compose music. When opportunity allows, you might find me jamming with other musicians.

My artwork has evolved from those early cartoon drawings. Over the years I studied printmaking, painting, graphic design, and stained-glass techniques. All these areas, including cartooning, influence my current artwork. In my work, I use contrast and intensity to evoke a psychological reaction from my viewers. The messages are deep, but relatable. Most of my subjects tend to be depicted in solitary settings where the viewer can feel the loneliness, peace, or contentment that the artwork portrays. The content of each piece is implied through assemblage and the strong use of negative space. The three-dimensional form of my relief paintings adds complexity and depth to the subject matter. Relief paintings are made from various types of clay that has been cut into organic shapes, painted, and assembled on wood. My award-winning paintings have been shown in numerous galleries across the United States. "Enjoy them for both their content and esthetic beauty. I hope they inspire you to create and take your own art-as-therapy journey!"