My Background

I grew up scraping my shins on boulders fishing the Mississippi River, hunting all over central MN, and getting lost in the wonder of nature.  When I wasn’t exploring outside, I was bent over at a table drawing dragons, comic book characters, and fantasy/sci-fi worlds while listening to a rotation of heavy metal cassette tapes with my brother. Truth be told, not much has changed.  I have an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an undergraduate degree from Macalester College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Religious Studies. I got married, had a son, and found a way to blend my two passions into a life.  I still scrape my shins on those river boulders, and spend hours at a table drawing the fantastical. 

My work has been exhibited all over the U.S. the past 20 years and has been used by companies like Simms, Patagonia, Rhymesayers Entertainment, and others.  My works has been featured in numerous publications and media, namely The Fly Fish Journal, Fly Fisherman, and Flylords. While I’ve explored a multitude of forms, content, and media over my career, the past 10 years has focused on drawing and painting.  Specifically, using ink, pen, pencil, and acrylic on wood panels or paper as the media while the subject matter is related to fly-fishing, fused with themes and nods to sci-fi/fantasy art, heavy metal album covers and music, and other counter culture aesthetics.The works serves a purpose beyond expressing my artistic visions as well; I'm active in conservation and advocacy efforts involving clean water, public lands, and positive community building. I use my art to not only raise awareness about these issues, but also raise money by donating at least 30% of the revenue made from my art to various organizations fighting for clean water and environmental protection.to not only raise awareness about these issues, but also raise money by donating at least 30% of the revenue made from my art to various organizations fighting for clean water and environmental protection.

Inspiration comes from my life as an artist and fly angler, exploring the intersection of the intangible and almost spiritual qualities of fly fishing, and the emotional power of primordial nature.  The work acts as an expression of something that should evoke a sense of wonder, fright, excitement and pure energy that comes from time spent interacting with fish through line and rod, all while submerged in the places these fish roam.  I also pull in inspiration from music, literature, and other life experiences.  I specifically avoid applying too much prescriptive meaning to the work, and allow the inspiration to create to drive the forms and outcomes.  Fishing and making art are symbiotic activities, and in many ways I cannot see or do one without the other being present.  In this, the art in a way inspires itself through an endless cycle or searching, finding a spark/inspiration, grinding out the process, and finding joy throughout.