How did you become a artist?
After writing poetry for 40 years I was introduced to Haiku which led me to haiga and on-line haiga forums. I decided to do "real" art later and began experimenting with all types of styles and medium. I began selling some of my work and the rest is history (cliche, I know).

Where are you from originally?
Michigan.

Who were your main influences growing up?
No one person I can mention besides my parents and various teachers.

Did you go to art school/college or are you self-taught?
Self-taught.

Any advice or tips to novice artists?
Study in detail every artist in every gallery you can find. Go NO where without a sketchbook.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging project you have worked on?
My 2008 Big Car Gallery Exhibition In Indianapolis of 13 acrylic and charcoal abstracts in which I had to organize and hang all the art in one hour.

What is your favorite portfolio piece? Why?
"Golden Mums", A 24"x36" Asian-influenced watercolor. I was pleased with the compostion. It was my first larger work and the one that allowed me to call myself, "Artist".

What American art or artist inspires you most?
Georgia O'Keefe.