Frequently Asked Questions:

(and some not-so FAQ, but important nevertheless)

Q: What are you influenced or inspired by?

A: For more information on this I would suggest going to the “More” page of my website where you will find a short bio and links to interviews and other press at the bottom of the page. But in a nutshell - nature and mystery. Initially I was taking inspiration from the images of Grey’s Anatomy, and soon after I branched off into other biological forms such as radiolarians and other marine life, microscopy, fungi, insects, patterns in nature such as a networking or branching pattern, and any other strange, intriguing form of nature. The 19th century illustrations from Ernst Haeckel have been a great source. There is endless inspiration out there! More recently I have been using realistic landscapes (from places I’ve been and photos I have taken) as the foundation of my work with “clear” distortions added to the landscape. The patterns and subject matter for these are often inspired by the same things as my older work (biological forms and patterns in nature and science) but I have also developed my own designs “out of the ether” you could say, sketching things out until something works.

Q: How did you develop your style with the clear distortions?

A: In short, in 2019 I was working on a painting (now titled Fruitless Invitation) in which I had a sketch of some pitcher plants with some vines and flowers without much of an idea for a background. At some point I decided to use a landscape photograph as a reference for the background and ended up painting it fairly realistically, a departure from what I was doing up until that point. During the painting process I decided to paint the pitcher plants as if they were clear. This essentially opened up this new style for me. For the following painting, I once again used a photo for the background reference and a pattern from a diatom for the distorted parts. Ever since I have continued this process using natural forms and patterns as my inspiration as well as creating my own designs.

Q: What do the clear distortions represent?

A: First of all, let me establish that I prefer to leave them open to interpretation. I want you to connect with the work in whatever way you do. That, after all, is the experience of art - for the viewer to be inspired, discover, make connections, feel emotions, see things in a different light, and allow the mind to wander. If I tell you what it is supposed to mean or represent, then much, or all of that potential can be lost, and the experience is largely over. It greatly limits the art. In fact, in most cases I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to. I like to leave them open to interpretation for myself as well. I feel like I am just as much of a viewer of my work as you are. They can also represent different things at different times or all at once. That said, there are concepts I think about and common threads in my work. Much like my earlier style (the surreal biological landscapes) I find that my “altered realism” paintings also represent our observable reality juxtaposed with the imperceptible mysteries. That could be something spiritual, other realms or dimensions, or untapped knowledge in science. I also often think about time and place. The “invisible” pathways in my paintings could represent one’s past and/or future path through life, and not only their path, but the effects they leave behind on others and on this world which continue to branch out (ie: the butterfly effect).

Q: Can you ship worldwide?

A: Yes, I can, and do, ship all over the world. Just be aware that you, the recipient, are responsible for understanding and paying your country’s duties/fees.

Q: Do you accept payment plans?

A: Yes, we can work out a payment plan for original works. Please contact me and we can get it done.

Q: Do you accept returns?

A: Yes, if you are not satisfied with your print or original painting within 30 days of receiving it you may return it for a full refund once I have received the returned item in new condition. You are responsible for return shipping packaging and costs. I recommend saving the original packaging for 30 days, - especially for original paintings and canvas prints - if you are considering whether or not the piece will be a good fit in your home. (I have not yet had anyone return a painting or print, knock on wood!) :)

Q: Are you open to doing commissioned work?

A: Yes. I’d love to hear what you have in mind! Please check my Originals page to see prices at various sizes. Pricing for commissioned work will be similar, plus approximately 10%, depending on the nature of the commission. Please contact me and we can discuss your ideas.

Q: Can you make larger prints than what is available on your Prints page?

A: Yes, usually. Most pieces can be enlarged quite a bit as I have very hi-res files. Please note, it will cost about the same per square inch as the larger prints I have on my website, but feel free to contact me with your request.

Q: How long will it take to receive my order?

A: Many paper prints are in stock and will generally ship out the same or next business day via USPS First Class, so they should arrive within a week of placing the order (US). If the print is not in stock, an additional week may be needed. Limited canvas prints are in stock so there is a good chance you may want to allow about 2 weeks to receive a canvas print. Feel free to contact me in advance to find out if a specific print is in stock.

Q: Can you ship my canvas print not stretched but rather rolled in a tube?

A: Yes! Please contact me and we can arrange it. This is especially useful if you are outside the US. It will save you on shipping costs and probably in customs fees, if there are any.

Q: Do you ever use airbrush or digital media?

A: No, all my work is hand-painted with acrylics and brushes.

Q: Are you influenced by Salvador Dali?

A: Somewhat. His work had its most profound impact on me when I was in high school. His ability to create a dreamy, surreal landscape stuck with me, but I don’t often look at his work or draw direct inspiration from his work.