While not an "outsider" my art journey has not been a traditional one.

This outline summarizes concisely, to the best of my recollection and with a

smattering of detail, the diverse artistic experiences I've been lucky to have.

THE JOURNEY AND CIRCUMSTANCES

1957 -  Born in New Haven Connecticut, my parents encouraged me in my artistic

growth and development. My mother an inner city public school teacher in the

South Bronx, is now an artist also. My father was a doctor who also practiced in inner city

New Haven and at Yale New Haven Hospital as well as other places.

1960 and continuing - Attended art schools and dance schools as a child and

was also exposed to art museums and cultural events in my early youth. Encouraged to

be literate and artistic. My parents divorced when I was eleven.

1972 - Using my artistic talents and intellectual abilities, I skip high school grades

eleven and twelve and go to college early.

1972 - At 15 years old I attend Bard College at Simon's Rock. Where I have a solo

exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints. Then based on this body of work, at

16 years old, I'm accepted as a sophomore to attend New York Universities' Fine

Arts School and plan to attend.

1973 - I receive a full scholarship to School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center and a

grant/stipend from the Ford Foundation. I perform at the Sharp Theater-Lincoln Center

as a student. I also perform professionally with various companies. My artistic

student and professional experiences performing at New York State Theater-Lincoln Center,

Kennedy Center, The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and more - bring me together with

luminous artists. I'm exposed to more great art.

1977 and continuing - I decide at 20 years old to attend art college again. Choosing these

schools in New York City: New York University, School of Visual Arts and Fashion Institute of

Technology (A.A. Degree). Most of my time in college I also work part-time jobs to

earn enough money to live - and study art. I graduate summa cum laude also receiving a

SUNY Educational Foundation Award and a SUNY Educational Grant. While still in school

I receive a professional Design Award: a DESI Award for poster design from Graphic Design

USA magazine. My specific areas of study include painting, drawing, design, photography,

typographic design, conceptual design, film making, art history.

1984 - I'm employed as an art director and win over 35 awards for art direction and graphic

design. As an art director I work for major advertising agencies as well as small creative

design firms. I design  logos, posters,as well as national and international print

and television campaigns.

1991 - I begin again to focus intensely on my fine art work where I'm able to be more true

to my interests and ideals. Eventually leaving commercial art behind except as an occasional

means of income to help subsidize my true calling - painting. At this point I also begin

again to work at a variety of part-time jobs to earn a small income to survive as an artist.

1992 - I'm the director, cinematographer and choreographer of six short art films and

begin working with a film production company, Big City Pictures. This type of work

proves to be too commercial and not suited to my specific creative goals.

Hudson River Park, NYC - Sometime after 2000

1993 - I now focus exclusively on my painting and drawing while continuing to

work part-time at various non-arts-related jobs as necessary . These jobs

are allow me enough income to live while also allowing me the energy, time and

the freedom continue with my art work.

1994 - I start having success selling paintings.

1996 - I begin exhibiting my art in alternative gallery spaces and on Web sites.

2006 and continuing - Open studio appointments and studio visits with other artists,

gallery and writing community members have been very encouraging. In addition

to positive reception of my work and critiques, some of these have also started collecting

my paintings. To me this is the greatest testimony I could receive from these

comrades in art.

2008 - I have more success selling my art and also have a solo exhibition in

an interesting alternative gallery space that is fortunately very spacious and has

good lighting.

In my studio May 2009 in front of a work in progress

ADDITIONAL BIO THOUGHTS

I have a hunger for knowledge and read a great deal: philosophy, writings by artists,

poetry, art criticism, art history, among other things.

My work is received with respect and admiration by many, as well as being recognized as

thoughtful and exciting intellectually. My dedication to abstract art seems to make the

challenges of being an artist even more rigorous. Being an abstract artist can widen my

audience because of the universality and generality of the subject matter. Yet I'm keenly

aware that abstract art can also seem less accessible than art, for example, that

mirrors the pop culture of television, Hollywood and magazines, or art that narrates and

comments on the specifics of current and past political struggles. These others genres are

important and valid and will always be. Abstract art, universal and general in subject

matter is to many still the heart and soul of art. A mirror for the things not seen.

Although, my own work has recently been gaining popularity, I don't believe the merit

of my art is measured by an empirical statistic of how many people have access to,

or respond to my art.  ––