What do you consider to be the main influences of your work?
I would have to say nature, my curiosity, and being honest.

Do other forms of art (music, photography, literature, dance, etc.) inform your work?
Yes, totally.  Besides painting and building things, I have a lot of other interests.  I play the drums, dance, and write a lot.  Everything I learn elsewhere always comes back around through my art.

Do you have any influences outside of visual arts?
Well, everything I mentioned above as well as all other people who are good at what they do.

Did you formally study visual arts? If yes, where?
Nothing formal, but I walked away with a BFA in animation/illustration at San Jose State University in 2005.
I sort of went there out of convenience to where I lived, but it ended up being an awesome school with some of the most inspiring peers.   I also made sure to take advantage of all the other great professors and classes they offered.

How did you get started with the particular style you work in now?
I am always looking for new ways to push the boundaries and lately it has led me to the exploration of different uses of materials.

How do you describe your style/work?
Chaotic yet peaceful.  Loose yet refined.  Its a reaction to the challenge in front of me...meaning, very intuitive.

What media do you work in mostly?
I have always worked in a mixed media layering approach...sort of building the painting from the ground up and allowing whatever accidents to happen along the way.

What about working in that media do enjoy the most?
The possibilities are truly endless.

What do you find to be its biggest challenge?
Knowing what to leave out.

Do you have (a) message(s) you’re expressing in your work? What, if any, are they?
Letting go, the beautiful struggle, and living the dream...as well as many others.

Which of your pieces best communicates this message?
Hopefully, they all sort of do in their different ways.

What was your early art like? Are there any works that still stand out to you as something you’re particularly proud of? Why?
I painted a large-scale piece live during a drum n bass event, and with not a whole lot of time to finesse and minimal supplies, it actually turned out quite good.  It was one of those break through pieces where I realized nothing is precious and there's something about capturing the freshness in painting.

What projects do you currently have on the go?
So glad you asked...Right now I am excited about a few things.  I am currently the Production Designer for my first indie film project entitled Glory Boy Days scheduled to debut in Spring 2007.  I am doing a ton of things for this film, but most importantly, I will be creating a series of paintings that will be specific to the movie, create installations for some of the sets, and possibly even a small cameo appearance.  My Clothing line, New Leaf Clothing will be launching our all new fancy pants website inline with our new line called RISE in January.  I am currently painting away for a few upcoming shows and commissioned pieces also happening in spring.  And lastly, I have a new awesome girlfriend and I am learning about myself all over again through her.

Do you enjoy showing your work in a collective show like Braveart? If so, why?
Sure...why not? It's an honor to share the walls with some of the biggest inspirations of our movement.  I am not big on doing a ton of shows, but BRAVE art is cool like that.

Braveart showcases “street” or “urban” art—do you feel that is what you create? Why or why not?
I guess I share a common bond with a lot of the other artists in the show, but honestly, I just do what I do...not thinking I belong to what ever category or classification.  Those labels can be stifling and everything is still so relatively new, that its best to just make art that speaks to me.

What pieces do you have in BraveArt this year?
This year I contributed 4 found wood panel pieces, a couple of canvas pieces, and installation piece also made of found wood.  I am really getting into installation art and plan to do a lot more of it in the upcoming year.  Hope you enjoy.

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