“I grew up in Ohio. I took some random art classes at The Cleveland Institute of Art, Lakeland Community College, and Kent State University. I never graduated. I couldn’t figure out how to support myself and go to school. I moved to Hawai’i Island in 1972. I worked in stained glass and pottery for a while. Eventually, I became a jeweler and designed and made cloisonné on silver jewelry. I had my cloisonné work at VAC back when Marsha Morrison was in charge. Being an artist was not financially viable for me. I went to Nursing school at Hawai’i Community College. I worked in Hilo and Kona and eventually got a job as an RN at Queens Medical Center. I retired from there in 2016. I was painting while I was working but did not attempt to sell my work. I’m currently retired and living in Waiʻōhinu. I paint every day. I also draw every day. Last year one of my paintings won first place in the statewide plein air show at Wailoa Center. I am a signature member of the Pastel Artists of Hawai’i (PAH). I won a grand prize and other prizes in the PAH shows over on Oahu. I am not about the prizes. I’m about showing the beauty of this island in my paintings.” – Jack
