At its core my work has always been the manifestation of a personal dialogue through scrawling stream-of-consciousness words and images. Though the symbolism I incorporate may tend to reference pop-cultural, political or sociological issues, this is generally in a metaphorical sense. The characters and situations are often expressions of internal experiences and struggles. I also draw heavily on the recurring symbolic and unusual imagery of my post-concussion dreams.

As they have traditionally in literature, I represent animal forms as personifications of human traits and as vessels to explore moral, interpersonal and philosophical issues. I find their universal and unassuming forms often allow a viewer and even me as the artist to take a rawer approach to uncomfortable subject matter. Comparisons are also drawn between this subject matter and the exaggerated style of contemporary cartoons and animation. A natural tension between the inviting and the threatening results, which is the essence of many of these explorations.

While these energized drawings are at the heart of my work, I have used the last few years to explore digital applications in order to push the boundaries of pattern, color and scale amplifying the gestural nature of my mark making. This process in itself becomes a metaphorical element as the technology distorts the organic nature of the original material. I will often exaggerate digital artifacts and intentionally degrade my drawings to reflect the way in which intent can become confused and damaged by modern modes of communication. I am very interested in incorporating digital output with handmade elements to break away from the shapes in which painting and drawing have traditional been presented.

The immediacy, movement, characters and text of contemporary street art has naturally influenced elements of my style. Though I tend to deconstruct these techniques and present them in a relatively disorganized fashion, I try to maintain a similar level of graphic intensity.

Another critical element of my approach is parody and satire, though sometimes dark and again personal. I think an important role that art plays in our culture is as a means to release negative energy in a positive way. I seek to celebrate opportunities to create art and am thus compelled to include playful elements in most of my projects and to challenge the sensibilities of those who would approach similar themes from a colder point of view.

An important aspect of my artistic endeavors in recent years has been supporting creative communities and alternative venues. I have gone to tremendous personal expense to help in the establishment of such spaces and to produce events for emerging artists. I feel that the creative spirit of these communities is the engine of cultural innovation and I will continue to do my part to support them.