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Born 1970, Lancaster, Pennsylvania U.S.A. Currently working as a high school art teacher, I have been employed
in the teaching profession since 1995. I am a graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in Art Education, where I focused
on painting and drawing studio courses. As a 2D art teacher, I have continued to work in these media in order to demonstrate
to students how to use the materials. I have also continued taking studio courses from a variety of colleges and universities. Recently, my own art has
evolved into a more focused and energetic form. Most importantly, my work currently combines my sense of humor, sarcasm, and
enjoyment of a variety of art mediums and techniques into one style. Subject matter is pulled from whatever happens to be
on my mind at the moment, anything from current events or thoughts on society to random images and illustrations based on
stories I've written. My choice of subject matter, and how I handle it, is influenced more by comedians like Lewis Black
and George Carlin than by any visual artists. Stylistically, I'm influenced by a variety of fine artists such as
Basquiat, de Kooning, Haring, and Rauschenberg to name a few. I have also been influenced by illustrators like Edward Gorey,
Maurice Sendak, and Jack Kirby.
My art is intended to make people think while at the same time allowing them the opportunity to laugh. Although my subject
matter can be serious and controversial, the cartoon-like style I employ was chosen in order to keep things light-hearted.
I do not view myself as separate from the conditions I criticize. If we can not laugh at ourselves and see the absurdity in
the human condition, and the world we find ourselves in, we lose the light that balances the darker side of human nature.
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