: Welcome to my humble show, !
Do you enjoy being here?
: Thank you. And it's a honor to be here.
I do enjoy being here. I've been on dA for a couple of years now and it never ceases to amaze me the talent and creativity I see.

: Please do show us some outstanding examples of talent and creativity right here! If possible, some that might have also influenced your OWN way of doing things during the years!
: Some pieces I find outstanding on dA would be the following
     
My list could go on and on for this. This is just a small snippit.
I could not really say only one artist has influenced my work. If I see something I like I tend to focus on the emotion first. When I was many moons younger I was so fascinated with the works of Mark Rothko. Finding his minimal use of color and shape could convey some strong emotion.

: So tell me now, and tell me true… How would you describe the works of a classic like Rothko, compared to, let's say, the works of your favourite dA artists?
: I think Rothko really paved the way for abstract and minimalism. How does it compare to some of my favorite works on dA? Hmm, I don't think I could compare them. They each 'stand alone' as a personal creation. But I do feel his work has influenced the bold use of color, brush strokes and blending in many of my favorite pieces that I see around the site

: Enough of talking about THE SITE!
Actually, you happen to have mastered the art of EMOTION quite well, all by yourself…
     
What is it you would have to rather say about THAT?
: Aha, you've caught on to me! Thank you! I find that quite the compliment. It's something that I find is very important in art. Whether it be anger, sadness, happiness...if a piece has achieved emotion then I've met my goal.

: So, how would you comment on the relationship between emotions and ABSTRACT?
: Now your getting deep
I think emotions play a huge part on abstracts. The flow and color can really convey strong emotion. Smooth lines can give a tranquil, relaxed feel. Where strong bold lines may give a feel of strength or aggression. There's a deep psychology behind color and form. I like to think that is how I tap into my own creativity. It's also what I look for in what I consider to be a great piece of art.

: Are abstracts more emotional than, for example… trees?
: I think any great piece of art can be quite emotional.
I think these are some great examples of trees that have a great emotional impact




: I think you misunderstood my question a little bit there, but since we're already on it…
What is more emotional: Abstracts or… CATS?
: BOTH

: Ok I see, so let's have a more serious question again here…
Why do you think EMOTIONAL is essential to ART at all?
: I think it's essential for any type of art to make you feel some type of emotion. It's different for everyone. One may look at a piece and say 'what the heck it's just a photo of nail' Where someone else may view it as being more then just a inanimate object. And sure the photo may even look pretty. But is there something more to it. Was the artists objectives met? I think as artists we want the viewer to feel something. Whether it's anger, happiness, etc. When a piece taps into your emotions it's usually there to stay for quite some time. For me it's an important element in creating and enjoying art.

: Just how important do you think is the artist's intention in a finished piece?
: I think as an artist our intentions are important. It's what makes a piece come alive to the viewer. Although, I do believe there are times when the creation process does not necessarily start with a concept. But as something evolves we really want a reaction from others when it's finished. BUT I find if I spend to much time thinking what I hope to get across in a final piece of work it can leave me both frustrated and even uninspired.

: Do you have any pieces from your own gallery, being able to illustrate that?
: I would say my Lennon Tribute 'Dear John'

When I started this piece it was actually full of color. Purple, black, yellow but I just wasn't feeling it at all. I let it sit for several weeks.  Then I decided to painting the entire piece white. The thought came to me as it was close to the anniversary of John Lennon's death. This has become one of my personal favorites in my gallery.

: Generally, how important do you think MUSIC is as inspiration?
: For me, music really sets the mood for painting. My iPod is very eclectic. I actually have a rough time painting when it's too quiet. Music keeps my mind more focused on what I'm working on.

: Personally, I do think that for saying "my ipod is eclectic", you should be crucified upside down RIGHT NOW! But hey, this is a FAMILY SHOW... Besides, I really do agree on that music thing! So if you don't mind, show our humble audience a few more of your works as specific examples of that special relationship, please!
: Yes, eclectic
Sure. Here are a few of my pieces that have musical inspiration
Large doses of Crystal Method
Tis the season for some George Winston
A little Ravi Shankar
A Dash of Primus
And a whole lotta


: It wasn't about "eclectic", it was about "ipod!"
Anyway, that looks like some nice neat recipe there! A MUSICAL recipe!
Do you also have any other artistic recipes left to share with our noble audience?
: I was never a good cook
But what I can tell you is you must enjoy what you create. Regardless of what anyone else thinks. I used to paint landscapes and still life but I didn't find it fulfilling. So I went back to my abstract roots. And I find so much joy when I'm sitting there letting my heart travel a canvas. In reality no matter what it is you paint, draw, etc...there will always be someone who does not care for it. The important thing is YOU like it. From there everything falls into place.
Not sure that is the recipe you were looking for. Like I said, I never was a good cook

: So, do you have any other last words left for our noble audience?
: What I would say to everyone reading this is 'don't be so hard on yourself when it comes to creating art' Take the time to look back in the gallery of some of your favorite artists and you will see that we all improve as we go along our artistic journey. Never doubt yourself. If you truly enjoy what your doing then that is all that matters. And keep a open mind and your inspiration will always flow.
I want to thank everyone who read this. And a special thank you too you, Das! This was truly a honor to be interviewed by you!!

: You might have said "Das", but at least you didn't say ...
So, ladies and gentlemen, !



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