I had no real knowledge of art history, in particular Canadian art history, nor was I aware of the techniques required to work with many materials, but I was inquisitive. I also had a degree of arrogance that a young man could have without really being tested.  But I knew what I liked and there seemed to be a personal progression taking place. The more people in the arts that I met and the more exhibitions and studios that I visited, the more I realized that I had to see and learn.

 

The grand awakening about how small Canada’s part was in the overall art world did not take place for a while.  It was a bit like a circle of influence…it just kept growing.

 

At that time, in the late sixties and early seventies, Expression was justification enough. No need to further explain, or to qualify.  Fortunately I came from a creative family, not that this made it any easier, just a little more understandable.

 

I had discovered that my Uncle, an architect, was also an artist and a painter. I suddenly felt that I had some kind of secret affiliation and that I had someone to refer to.  Later on, when my Uncle moved to Canada I realized that being an artist and making a living were definitely two different things. My Uncle Roy made that clear to me.

 

To find myself painting, enjoying color and form without any training, was a little like dropping into the big pool…you either swim or you drown. Swimming meant exhibiting and selling.  I did both reasonably well and felt a confirmation of what I was doing. So, painter…paint!

 

I did however need to grow up as a painter; to quickly gain an appreciation and an understanding of how The Art Market worked.  If I was ever to gain a foothold, I needed a foundation. The idea of spending more time painting and less time exhibiting was an idea that fast took over. I continued to exhibit in various studios and in office environments, but I withdrew from the “Galleries”.

 

As a result, today, I am both fluid and prolific; actively producing works on paper in gouache and watercolor, as well as oil-based painting on panels and canvasses.  I have painted myself into a corner and so it is time to sell again.

 

I would like to think that I have many years ahead in which to explore life through the studio, and can only hope that people who see my work will enjoy it for what it is.

 

My wife, family, and of course my friends are always so supportive; I couldn’t ask for more.