You grew up in NYC and then moved to Germany as a teen. There, you
traveled throughout Europe. How has growing up in NYC and Europe
influenced your work?
My work is a direct product of who I am and with that a direct result of
what I experienced in Europe and in the US. It is a mixture of cultures,
spirituality, life and art using largely urban settings to convey my
subject. The urban settings serve as a stage or tool for communicating to
all.
You were an elite airborne trooper in the Army during the Gulf War.
Subsequently, you suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Was your
artwork affected by these experiences? With the War on Terror, what would
you say to troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq who may be
experiencing what you experienced?
My artwork would not be what it is without my experiences in particular
those in the Gulf War. The War gave me insight on life and awareness of my
surroundings. It allowed me to be able to convey my emotions based on
harsh life experiences and to set my typically raw mood in most of my
work.
As far as the soldiers coming back now, I wouldn't say anything and rather
listen to what they had to say, as it's them that will need to vent and
express themselves sooner or later.
You've called your style of art "urban contemporary." What does that
mean and what schools of art influenced your style?
I actually refer to my work itself as "Urban-Expressionism" a raw and
free flow that comes from a more subconscious and spiritual source of
energy with roots that include urban elements like graffiti art.
Expressionism and Abstract Expressionism have been strong influences. Many
of the old masters like: Rauschenberg, Pollock, Basquiat and Picasso have
been painters I admired over the years. I never wanted to paint like them
but contribute by finding my own identity of expression, my own statement
and voice.
In 1999, when you started to establish yourself, you literally stood on
the corner of Prince and Broadway in Soho, painting or selling your work?
It's a brave move though there are many street artists in the city. How
did you stand out?
To me it was necessary to get an honest feedback from the people who
ultimately are the ones that complete an artist work by viewing it then
responding. I stood out by being different which in my opinion is an
artist’s duty and should be his desire to search for his own unique way of
expression. Since we are all individuals, we should all have different
ideas and our own ways of communication.
After much success, including showings at Gallery Schoenen in Aachen,
Germany, Oprah Winfrey’s COLOR Show in Chicago, American Art Gallery Paris
and the Art Papers Magazine 3rd Annual Art Auction, Lagerquist Gallery in
Atlanta and the Stricoff Fine Arts LTD Gallery in Chelsea, NYC. You've now
settled in Ft. Myers, Florida and exhibit at the ARts for ACT Gallery. How
did you decide on Florida and do you still run your studio in Germany?
Florida was a more personal decision and perhaps I was seeking a more
relaxed environment for now. We run our studio/agency from here and thanks
to the worldwide internet are able to reach new clients every month from
all over the world.
Is a book of your published work coming out this month from Winn Devon
Art Group?
Winn Devon Art Group will be publishing my high quality Posters for
everyone to enjoy for now. They will be available to dealers through
