Inspired early on by artists like Grant Wood and Andrew Wyeth, my oil paintings are representational, regional and often earthy. They can be layered narratives that depict historical subjects and can sometimes have spiritual undertones. I personally believe we imprint with the people and landscape of our childhood, and so my favorite subjects are rural people and landscapes. I can become somewhat obsessed with historical themes when they converge with my family heritage. Like many American artists throughout history, I like to examine the area where I live to discover and redefine my individual identity and sense of place. Exploring the greater spirit of place, a region’s uniquely combined natural and cultural “soul”, leads to a better individual sense of place. My artwork is a product of my personal sense of place.