Artist Statement

"I once came across a 55 gallon barrel. It was dark colored, dirty, and had oil residue down it's side. You see these barrels everywhere. They don't really stand out. These barrels seem to blend right into an industrial area or a back alley. When they're full they are usually pretty valuable, containing hundreds of dollars worth of oil, polymers, or even honey. These same barrels are close to worthless when they are empty. They wear out, leak, and end up being thrown away or rarely recycled.

I take these used barrels and transform them into art. My methods are completely freehand drawn and freehand cut. I do not rely on a computer driven plasma cutter and will never see myself in that area of metalwork. I feel metal art should always come with flaws, imperfect lines, and be guided by your eye rather than a machine.

My inspiration comes from where I live, my wonderful family, and my cherished friends and the experiences we share. You just need a little honest imagination and direction. Draw, cut, weld, and repeat.

Thank you to Barbara Liss and the Montana Bliss Art Gallery. I am very grateful to be able to present my art for the first time in Hamilton, Montana."