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Profile
My love for nature began as a youth while exploring the fields and creeks of beautiful upstate New York. It was there I viewed my first butterfly and caught my first fish. I began spending countless hours fishing as well as collecting and studying butterflies. When I couldn't be outside I drew numerous wildlife pictures. At that time I realized that I wanted to do "something" with art and nature when I grew up.
I also came to the realization that home is a better place when we bring a little nature into it - although my mom may not have thought so as I tried to smuggle various caterpillars into the house!
I began my business as a wildlife artist in 1994 focusing on fish taxidermy and sculptures. After learning the basics of my craft, I began competing in state competitions. Over the next 12 years I achieved the goals of winning every major award in the master's division of my field - from "Peoples' Choice" to "Judges' Best of Show" to "Best Airbrush Technique". I later became a judge and seminar instructor.
My fish sculptures are unique in that they are created by both carving and sculpting. I carve the body core from high denisty foam then hand mold and sculpt the overlaid "skin" using sculpting epoxy. After that I airbrush the fish using acrylic paints. Finally I seal the entire fish using either a polyurethane or oil varnish.
During the 12 years I focused on fish, I put my love for butterflies on hold. Then one day after watching several beautiful tiger swallowtails nectaring on our creeping flox, I was reminded of my forgotten love. I said to my wife, "I'd really like to do something 'special' with butterflies." To which she replied, "Is there any way you can make a butterfly?" That was the challenge that began my new line of sculptures. Using 11 to 14 manmade fibers and elements, I carve, sculpt and airbrush each butterfly as well as the flowers in my sculptures.
Every sculpture I make comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is personally signed by me.
In addition to creating fish and butterfly sculptures, nature photography is a passion of mine. Beautiful nature photography brings the joy and wonder of the outdoors into the home or office.
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