As a child my pastor parents would hand me a pad of paper and pencil to keep me occupied during long church services. I would fill the pages with drawings of whatever I saw around me including the people in the pews across the aisle whether asleep or awake. Sometimes, imagination took over and it would take me to a place or event I tried to visualize in my mind. Later, what began as a preoccupation became a passion, which prompted me to read books about artists, follow their lessons and try to emulate the techniques and effects they demonstrated. Through junior and senior high school, art and music occupied my time and those who taught me encouraged me in both areas, which ultimately led to university degrees in both art and music. Although my career followed the music path, my interest in painting, drawing and all forms of art expression has continued as a diversion and pastime.
I am not sure when my fascination with ships and the sea began but it has continued to capture my attention through the years. Ironically, my wife and I have traveled extensively and somehow our favorite places tend to be seaside and there the fascination continues to grow. Ships are constructed for specific tasks and to function in specific conditions. To some degree they represent the geography, culture and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Working boats are like sculptures and each is unique from all the others and always carry the names of a woman or girl, which may be a story all its own. I have chosen a few of my works as samples of my personal fascination with the ships that caught my attention and the places where I would love to return. Down to the Sea in Ships is a tribute to those who work and labor on these vessels and the stories they could tell.
Presented in partnership with the Department of Arts & Humanities.
