 "I was born into an America W.A.S.P. nest on April 21, 1948. Along with southern prejudice, hospitality and gentleness, I inherited artistic talent from my father. 22 years later, in order to develope this talent, I ran away home, carrying a wife, a University of Alabama art degree, and a need to exorcise my desperation.
Paris was my mistress, the Beaux Arts my new home. As Dali's disciple, liberty and honesty expanded my mind. Inspired by his etchings and those of Durer, Bellmer and J. Seraphim, I sat down to a linear feast - texture, image and symbol, with intricate transparencies. With astounding detail, the essence of my work through black and white pencil-painting was easily understood. The spontaneity, the aura, the sensuality of working from the model ! Youth fed my vanities, while alcohol and drugs kept pushing me towards self-destruction. Revealing oneself and living from one's art demanded courage, economy and hard work.
After seven years I moved to old Nice, the Riviera, to nature and light, a Mediterranean influence - and introspection ; I fell in love and cleaned myself up. Watercolor obsessed me, I was spoiled aesthetically - and adored it.
Through it all work rewarded me, aided now by meditation, prayer and clean living. I bought Jean Dubuffet's Vence studio, installed printing presses and began giving my own workshops. A four year period in Mexican jungles refined my collage into mosaics. I paid homage with works called "New Orientalism", a doorway from east to west, memories of Venice and Istanbul.
I married again and with my wife Tuscia opened in Vence the N.A.L.L. (Nature Art & Life League) - a 17th Century farmhouse with 11 buildings on 9 acres of terraced olive groves where artists live and work.
On the 4th of July, 1997, the N.A.L.L.was inaugurated, representing years of labor, travel and discovery. During your visit, walking through a life's work, you'll see the joys and pains of an artist growing up. Enjoy the journey."
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