What brought you to Lee’s summit?
My wife, Kelly. She was working for the school district as a 6th grade teacher when we met… and of course I followed. We have lived here for more than 20 years. Several years ago, we started searching for an old house in a historic district of Lee’s Summit. We found the perfect house (built in 1918) on a great street right near downtown. It is a lovely, walkable, social and funky neighbor- hood. Just the way we like it.
Describe your art:
I primarily work with metal, and I guess you could say I’m a sculptor. But I really like to create all kinds of art. My studio/shop is filled with all kinds of machines, gears, metal parts, hammers, and vintage signs. Lots of rust and sharp things—a delicious stew of ingredients to make stuff. I really enjoy putting things together, especially things that don’t make sense at first. I make Bottle Monsters, birdhouses, bugs, spiders, robots and garden totems.
What inspires you?
I love old things and slow things, places and people with a history. I enjoy imaging the stories in the parts and pieces I work with. Both my parents (a zoologist and paleontologist) were big inspirations, too. They passed on a strong curios- ity for the natural world.
Where did you study art?
As a youngster, laying on the floor at my house, going through gobs of paper drawing prehistoric scenes, underwater worlds and strange creatures of the universe. But I really got started when
I left my Tulsa home and drove to Lawrence, Kan. to attend the University of Kansas. I loved it there. A few years later, I walked down the hill with a BFA degree in Visual Communication/ Illustration.
Where can people view your art?
Come on over to the shop. Right outside is an emerging sculpture park and nature preserve. Several large sculptures, fences and gates sprout among the big bluestem grass, milkweed and other prairie plants. All of this is under the canopy of a gigantic black walnut tree. It is a fine place to mingle with art and nature. Everyone is welcome. If you want to see art indoors, check out Gifted Hands Art Gallery at Crown Center where I sell some sculpture, or go to FossilForge.com to see more.
When is your next show?
I am a participating artist in 2nd Annual Holiday Windows on Main. This is a public art show along Main Street in downtown Kansas City’s Power and Light District. My work can be seen inside MeMa’s Bakery at 12th and Main. The show runs through the end of the year.
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