I have dealt with frequent nightmares my whole life. I used to think I had to ignore nightmares and force them away as meaningless and frightening. I’ve come to realize these stories are asking to be worked out on the canvas. I use symbols and myth to express emotions I am working through and also to tell the story. I have a strong desire to have my art connect with others. I use realism to anchor dreamlike stories in something tangible and emotionally relatable. I’m building a visual world where the ultimate hero and sidekick finally defeat evil and confusion. These stories unfold in the quiet corners of Midwestern life where I grew up, straddling the line between dream and waking reality. I also find the bright lights and mysterious environments of fairs to be the perfect world for my characters to live. I strive for excellence in my materials and techniques, using both modern and historic pigments, surfaces, and oil painting methods to bring these inner worlds to life.