Could you tell the visitors about your Lure?

I just finished making a puppet movie of “Dante’s Inferno” where I was Art Director and Puppet/set Designer. It was a collaborative project with Paul Zaloom, Sandow Birk and Sean Meredith. The building of over 500 puppets and 43 sets took over ten months and was all created using only cheap materials and found objects. Using only cheap materials and found objects was really interesting and challenging and I wanted to use this approach in creating my lure. I ended up using a lid of a spay-paint can and part of a shampoo bottle, plus bits of found wire and plastic to get the final shape of my lure. Also, the shape of the wooden lure reminded me of a rocket or some other kind of projectile, which then led to a space capsule. Ever since I was kid I have been fascinated with space exploration.

How did you end up being an artist?

I suppose I have been interested in art since I was young. Eventually I went to college and studied art.

Who are some of your greatest artistic influences?

I can’t really think of “who” but, life is interesting and it influences my art and what I make. Traveling, too.

What music do you have in heavy rotation right now?

Lots of NPR lately. Oh, but I did just buy a classic Frank Sinatra CD.

What do you do for fun?

I am learning to surf, which is extremely hard but lots of fun.

When was the last time you went fishing?

My brother took me fishing a few weeks ago on a lake in Northern California. Does it count if you don’t catch anything? His girlfriend caught three fish and it was her first time fishing, ever!

Do you have any words of wisdom for new or aspiring artists?

Work hard, keep at it, be confident.