About the artist

The artist at a music festival in a black cap and patterned scarf, hugging an inflatable green alien and smiling.
Groot, a yellow dog lying on a striped blanket, wearing red round sunglasses, a blue scarf, and a green Sprout Garden bucket hat decorated with tiny mushrooms and flowers.
Groot

Marine → Scientist → Artist

My journey to becoming an artist has been anything but conventional.

I spent five years serving in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic, working on Huey and Cobra helicopters. After leaving the military, I traded helicopters for laboratories, eventually earning my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Florida, where my research focused on microbial natural products—the fascinating chemistry produced by microorganisms.

Art has become another way for me to explore the world around me. Instead of experimenting with molecules in a laboratory, I'm experimenting with colors, textures, and techniques on canvas. My scientific background has shaped the way I approach painting: with curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and an appreciation for the unexpected.

Much of my work is inspired by music, anime, and the things that capture my imagination. Sometimes I start with a clear vision; other times, I put on a DJ set, pick up a brush, and let the music guide the process. I love exploring bold colors, contrasting elements, and the space between structure and chaos.

Beyond art, music and science, my dogs are my world and mean everything to me.

View the gallery Commissions
The artist in deep blue doctoral robes and a tam, smiling up at the camera and throwing a hand sign at graduation.
Kylo Ren, a dark brindle dog with a graying muzzle, wearing wire-rimmed glasses and a bright plaid scarf while lying on a blue blanket.
Kylo Ren

Beyond the canvas

The artist in blue doctoral robes tossing a cap into the air among tall trees, with friends in bright festival clothes cheering behind them.
Hula grad photos
The artist standing beside a display of paintings including Marla's Philosophy, Run, Inverted Run and Two Sides of the Same Soul.
I did that
The artist in glasses and a printed face covering, grinning into a round mirror with one hand at the chin.
Mask on - Future
The artist in sunglasses and a patterned robe with a yin-yang design, pointing at the camera outdoors.
Show love, spread love
The artist and friends in pink cowboy hats and bright clothes, sitting together in a large outdoor festival crowd.
Griztronics
The artist with arms outstretched in a red robe, beneath a giant silver and gold bird sculpture in a red-lit hall.
At the sphere with illenium

Travel

Snapshots from my trip through Asia after graduating.

Rows of glowing red lanterns strung over a street lined with neon signs at night.
Lighting is everything
The artist smiling in a backwards cap and graphic tee, with a coastal city behind them.
Phuket : Seeing the world with my eyes closed
The artist and a companion standing in front of a huge white seated Buddha statue at dusk.
Small company, big buddha
The artist smiling with orange butterflies resting on a tattooed arm and shoulder.
Butterfly effect
Dozens of rainbow-striped umbrellas hanging overhead against a pale sky.
Ella ayy ayy ayy
The artist in an orange jersey, tattooed arm raised, smiling while holding a branch of cherry blossoms up close.
Stopping to smell the...blossoms
The artist in a cap, bandana and patterned pants, sitting on a silver and purple scooter on a busy street.
No idea what I'm doing
Two hands making a heart shape around the lights of a city at night.
PLUR
A dark bird perched on a weathered stone gate, surrounded by bare branches and green trees.
A whole a** metaphor
Black and white view of carved stone frog statues beside a red and black pillar.
Toad sages
A small white boat pulled up on the shore of calm water, with hills on the far horizon under a bright sky.
Little boat, still waters