My training in the arts began with my father, John, who produces fantastic pencil drawings. Having a mentor to see and critique all my original art, the basics of drawing were quickly established in my mind. I originally did socio-political statements in pencil like my father, however, my interest in doing a different kind of art was born when I took a scientific illustration course while in graduate school studying the fish immune response. The world of color was unleashed upon my brain, and paintings of insects, pterodons, fish and birds soon began to bubble out. I have since done the artwork for educational posters, book covers, logos and scientific publications; but most of my work has been wildlife art. My artwork has won several awards, including being selected as the featured artist at Issaquah Salmon Days in 1999. I participated in the State of Washington Lt. Governor’s show ‘Salmon-the Endangered Species’, and have been selected for a number of juried art shows including Issaquah Salmon Days and Best of the Northwest.

I paint both detailed, highly realistic pieces, and interpretive images. My training as a scientist enhances my ability to paint in a representational style. I look upon each piece as a chance to really study the animals and plants I want to depict. This includes not only the featured creature, but also the ecosystem of which it is a part. I examine all the details and try to understand them as I paint. The details all fit together to make a life, and these lives make up our world, so there is a lot to try to understand. My twisted pieces come a need to just let go after doing a highly detailed piece. They allow my mind to play. The images are still those of our fellow earthlings, but run through the filter of my mind.

My paintings of fish grew out of my love of fishing. Success in fishing is often dependent upon an understanding of the fish’s environment, including their prey species; this is especially true for fly fishing, where mimicking insect hatches can make or break a trip. Fishing as a hobby also led me to my career as a fish biologist. I currently work at the Western Fisheries Research Center studying the immune system of salmon. Besides their economic and spiritual importance to people in the Pacific Northwest, salmon are a very interesting fish in that their life cycle includes both freshwater and marine phases. The striking colors of spawning salmon are obviously of interest to me as an artist. However, the way that the chrome bodies of pre-spawning adults reflect their environment is also both beautiful and artistically challenging. I hope that folks seeing my art gain some understanding and appreciation of salmon and the natural world we all live in.