Artist Statement

I feel that having grown up in West Michigan is something that has shaped who I am and will always be an inner aspect of
myself. The lake itself offers many life lessons, its mass alone creating a horizon of purely blue forces one to realize the great
extent and unfathomable ness of our earthly surroundings. It reminds me just how small I really am in the great scheme of
things. I have developed much gratitude for the art that is nature and the infinity of an unobstructed sunset. Although I have
also been fortunate enough to be exposed to other corners of the world I will always feel a great tie to my little corner here on
this great lake.

Having had the opportunity to travel to Europe and Asia has also been an overwhelming influence for me. While overseas I was
allowed extensive opportunity to increase my photographic talents and study foreign design styles new and old. After the
tsunamis in South East Asia I donated a photograph that I had taken during my travels to be sold in a silent auction at the ABC
No Rio Gallery in New York though the Architecture for Humanity Foundation with all proceeds going to the victims.

I have been taking pictures seriously for over six years and have had the opportunity to occasionally utilize a dark room and
begin obtaining knowledge of proper techniques and processes. I intend to major in interior design and minor in photography.
My two favorite aspects of photography; composition and color use, were most influential in my decision to pursue interior
design. Thus, while being an avid photographer for many years, I have chosen to major in interior design. It appears to me to be
a newly expanding and varying career field and could possibly be used to incorporate all my diverse artistic interests. My goals
are to finish my education and eventually offer my own service in West Michigan or elsewhere.

Various artists and movements have been inspirational to me in acquiring my preferred tastes and styles. William Neill is
probably the most influential photographer to me. His abstracted nature color photography is something I try to emulate. Ansel
Adams' structural photography is also a paradigm for me when addressing architectural subjects.

As a student of photography I feel I have been fortunate in locating and experiencing excellent subject material. I have had so
many opportunities others have not to expand my photography that it seems anyone in the same position would produce the
same photographs. I am not sure how accurate this is, but it seems possible that I have just come across exceptional subject
matter instead of creating exceptional photographs.

As an interior design student I try to incorporate didactic aspects through the use of transitional blending of past and present
and the involvement of multicultural features. Aspects of modernism in interior design that are specifically attractive to me are:
the use of strong straight color, the forthright mixing of periods, the incorporating of closed storage into a room or wall,
accessorizing with modern art and the bunching of furniture of the same size but with different fittings or that which looks
built-in in order to impose an architectural flavor. Asymmetrical arrangements and open floor plans I also find favorable, along
with art walls and an eclectic mélange of accessories and furniture.

When it comes to furniture styles I distinctively appreciate Duncan Phyfe and Biedermeier designs because of the uses of
highly finished dark woods and smooth curvaceous lines. I also like the rich woods, metal mountings and columns integrated in
Empire style furniture. With these finely tailored elements I like to mingle earthen materials, such as ceramics, plants, and
stone.

This is probably why I appreciate the Art Nouveau movement's use of nature forms and the highly stylized and sleek yet classic
aspects of the Art Deco movement. For two of the most important areas of interior design, floor coverings and color, I prefer hard
wood flooring with the use of patterned rugs and monochromatic or analogous color schemes. I also personally value designs of
Asian influence. I think this once again emphasizes my love of mixing the beauty of nature with that of fine craftsmanship.