Biography

  I was born in Syracuse, New York in 1957 where I grew up on a 50-acre farm. In fifth grade we moved to the suburbs of Scottsdale, Arizona. I dropped out of high school in 1974 and I was on the road to nowhere if it hadn't been for an interest in art and some good mentorship and training. In 1978 I moved to Eureka, California, just before my 21st birthday, where. I bought a little beach shack in the peninsula town of Manila.

      Since then I have kept my home and studio in Manila. Some refer to this town as"Appalachia by the Sea", although I fondly call it Chicken Beach. I've seen much hardship and tragedy here, often due to the effects of poverty, lack of education and drug abuse. Manila is one of the most scenic beach and dunes areas on the Northwest Coast and at the same time, one of the poorest rural communities. This paradox has continued to inspire me. I enjoy sharing this commitment and enthusiasm with my community.

      I've been working on my house since I moved in; spending summers under the house, digging out sand so a foundation could be installed among other great projects. This has taught me a lot about being inventive and working with a variety of different materials. I know how to make art out of just about anything. My Greek and Scotch background has shown me to be thrifty and resourceful, qualities I find invaluable in the process of my art making and living life as an artist.

      I've been a professional artist since 1984, receiving a master's degree in painting in 1987. I have instructed Adaptive Art (for adults with disabilities) and other art classes at College of the Redwoods off and on since 1990. I have given workshops in mixed media, sculpture, mural making, fantasy landscape, personal mythology, the image as metaphor, and humor in art. I have taught art classes for children and adults at Arcata Parks and Recreation and Mendocino Art Center and privately at mystudio. I was an Artist in the Schools resident in 1995 and an Artist in the Communities resident in 01-2002. I've been a guest artist for the Arts Council Artists in the Schools and Poets in the Schools programs on several occasions.