I believe pop culture to be one of the best decoders of the cultural values of the times. In my work, I juxtapose and connect the dots the way I see them and hope to share a cosmic giggle with the viewer.
Throughout my life and long before the internet, I voraciously fed my eyes with images from nearly 100 magazines subscriptions from multiple countries, ranging from American rural life, Italian Architecture, New Zealand Cuisine, French Fashion, Automobiles, Mad Magazine, Japanese Anime and everything in between. From Museums to the bright images of Walt Disney, the fantasy presentation of celebrity, the idolatry of politicians, or the lingering messages of commercials – all inspired me and gave me my visual appetite. I was awarded a scholarship to The San Francisco Academy of Art. From there, I started in the media establishment and my career took off quickly. Among the many visuals I created were for Apple Computers, Levi Strauss, Harley Davidson, Rolling Stone Magazine and numerous others. Eventually, I moved to film and music videos (i.e. U2, Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start The Fire) to feature film (Tom Waits’ Big Time).
In 1998 I started working with existing objects. I recycle existing things that I have collected over the years, objects from garage sales and flea markets, even objects I find on the street. I like to believe they get a second life in my work by representing my anthropological views of the 24/7 news cycle onslaught, whether it’s Michael Jackson’s color evolution or the pop tartiness of Anna Nicole Smith, the burdens of a president or the sheepishness of swayed crowds. I am happy when I see the obvious reveal the unexpected.
I am proud to have my work in the permanent graphics collections of the Smithsonian as well as in the MOMA in New York and the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, as well as many private collections.
