my story

After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a Fine Arts Degree in 2014, I was ready for the next chapter in my career and life. I decided to move across the country from the small town of Waterville, Ohio, to Minturn, Colorado. Adventure and fly fishing have always been a central part of my life and I was excited to further pursue both in Colorado. 

Inspired by fly fishing, my artwork is a direct reflection of my passions. Creating paintings that capture the relationships between fish, flies, and the natural environment is both challenging and fulfilling. Just like painting, each day on the river is a blank slate; a white canvas waiting for an interpretation and someone to figure it out, pay attention to its details, and give it meaning. 

My artwork also reflects my experiences. As a fly fishing guide in Minturn, I have the opportunity to immerse myself in the rivers and streams that fuel my imagination and help me find the delicate balance between art and fly fishing. I find inspiration every day by continuously searching for the moments where fly fishing and art can meet.

The combination of feathers, fur, and bugs all tied together create the perfect artistic composition. It’s an organic and unique form. After tying for many years and recognizing my interest in the bright and beautiful arrangements of the fly fishing world, I wanted to translate these forms at the two dimensional level. By proportionately scaling flies from palm-sized objects to wall-sized paintings I’ve unearthed a new and intriguing way to bring the beauty and detail of flies to life. The scale I work at gives the viewer an opportunity to unwind the object and take a deeper look into the skill and patience of fly-tying. 

Over time, I’ve started to formulate a new fascination with light in my paintings. Learning to capture the iridescence and shadows of the flies has been the greatest yet most rewarding struggle. It is the element that breathes energy into my paintings and first catches the viewer’s eye.

The sense of adventure I draw from nature’s colors, light, and textures is endless, and I’m excited to see what’s next on my artistic and personal journey.