I have never considered myself lucky, but I have had a lifetime of fortunate experiences that have led me happily, creatively, and successfully, through over seventy years of life on earth.
One day in 1972 artist, John Duffy, walked into the clothing store I managed asking for a shirt and tie. Bearded, big and boisterous, he was a metal sculptor and after the sale and learning I was an English major, he asked if I would write a brochure displaying his work. After going to his studio, writing his brochure, I became very interested in what he was making: nut and bolt figurines. He invited me to learn how to make them and help him out. Through a series of events and with a partner we bought Duffy out and continued expanding nut and bolt figurines across the country.
I was semi-successful, a hippie artist with five like-minded helpers making whimsical metal art.
By the mid-80s it was time for a change and I decided to follow the dream to move to Hawaii. On the North Shore of Oahu I sold nuts and bolts, Hawaiian petroglyphs, and fine art at outdoor art fairs, galleries, and gift shops.
I have had the opportunity to sell thousands of works of art to people all over the world in the 48 years I’ve been a sculptor. A few famous people have bought my work and I have won a few awards: a piece presented to the President of Greece commemorating the ancient Olympic Games in Nemea; a piece honoring King Kamehameha is on exhibit in the State Capitol Building; the King of Dubai bought one of my petroglyphs; I was commissioned by Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead for three personal works; I made baseball sculptures for Reggie Jackson and Fred Lynn; and I’ve won awards in judged contests, strangely enough, for a 9’ Giraffe and a 7’ Bear.
But the best was the thousands of people I’ve met at shows and exhibitions who appreciated my work and the few who became good friends.