Every piece of art begins as a spark — a moment of curiosity, a glimpse of light through the trees, a pattern in stone, or simply an idea that refuses to fade. For me, that spark is where the journey begins. Whether I’m painting, carving wood or stone, or sculpting with clay, each work follows its own path from inspiration to creation.
1. Finding the Spark
Inspiration often comes quietly. Sometimes it’s the colors of the evening sky over my home in Shelton, Washington. Other times it’s a piece of driftwood or an oddly shaped stone that seems to hold a hidden form inside. I’ve learned to pay attention to those small moments — they’re the seeds from which new ideas grow.
2. The Planning Stage (Or Lack Thereof)
Not every project starts with a sketch. Some demand structure and planning — particularly paintings or clay sculptures that require balance and proportion. Others unfold more naturally, especially when carving. I often let the material guide me. The grain of the wood or the natural lines in the stone tell me what they want to become, and I try to listen.
3. Bringing It to Life
This is the stage where time disappears. Hours can pass unnoticed while I’m working in the studio or workshop. With paint, it’s about layering — watching colors build, merge, and evolve. With sculpture, it’s about patience, removing material bit by bit until the form reveals itself. Each stroke or cut brings me closer to what I saw in my mind’s eye, though the final piece often surprises me. That’s the beauty of creation — it has a life of its own.
4. Stepping Back
When a piece is nearly complete, I take time to simply look at it. Sometimes that means stepping away for a day or two. Art needs space to breathe — both for the artist and for the work itself. This distance helps me see what the piece still needs — maybe a touch more contrast, a smoother edge, or sometimes nothing at all.
5. The Final Touch
The last step is one of quiet satisfaction. Signing my name feels like closing a chapter. Each artwork holds a part of my time, focus, and heart, and it’s always rewarding to see it finished — ready to share with others.
Creating art is a continual process of discovery. No two pieces ever come out quite the same, and that’s what keeps me excited to return to the studio day after day. Each canvas, each block of wood, and each stone holds a mystery waiting to be revealed — and that journey from inspiration to creation is what makes being an artist so fulfilling.