Q1: When did you begin drawing?

A: At the age of two. My mother tried to teach me how to draw a tree, in turn I drew a better one. She never tried to teach me to draw again, or so the story goes. I honestly can’t remember.

Q2: What inspires your art?

A: People, animals, pretty much anything living. I consider myself to be a “natural-realist” and love translating certain textures and subtle details into my work.

Q3: Who motivates you artistically?

A: My family and friends along with that inner voice telling me not to waste the gift I’ve been cursed/blessed with! I’ve been extremely fortunate to come from a family made up of artists, poets, musicians and comedians. There has never been a lack of encouragement regarding the arts.

Q4: What are some of your earliest artistic memories?

A: Making dinosaurs out of aluminum foil, sketching at museums and going to high school art classes when I was in the 3rd grade. I’m not sure if I learned anything, but it was fun hanging out with the “big” kids!

Q5: What is your favorite medium?

A: It’s hard to choose a favorite as I could see myself enjoying many mediums if given the time. Obviously, I love pencil as it is in my opinion, the most direct means of expression. I love taking a pencil and a blank sheet of paper and giving it life with each stroke. I also love painting and sculpting.

Q6: What are your methods for pencil drawing?

A: I have developed my own techniques of gently building even layers of graphite to achieve textures and shadows. But my main “method” is still learning to see things correctly. I don’t trace or use grids as I like the challenges of free hand drawing.

Q7: Who is your favorite artist?

Dennis James Martin, the most dedicated pencil artist to ever walk the earth!