I grew up in Clifton Springs, New York, on a 150-acre farm.  We were miles from any neighbor, and we were very poor.  My three brothers and I worked on the farm, caring for the animals and doing hard, dirty farm chores.  We had to entertain ourselves, so I carved horse heads from bars of soap and made “potato people” with clothespins and cloth.

Winning art awards as early as junior high school, I moved away from our rural school to a larger town allowed me the opportunity to have access to the best art teacher.  With his guidance, I improved my skills and learned more techniques.  As my skills became more advanced, my thirst for exploring new techniques was fulfilled by taking courses and workshops at area colleges and universities.