My aesthetics and philosophy have been shaped by my family, world travel, and the cultural diversity of Northern California.

As a child, I had the rare opportunity to travel extensively with my parents. We always returned home enriched from our travels -- with an appreciation and respect for the uniqueness of different cultures. I was also fortunate to grow up in a home where art and craft were encouraged. My father, an accomplished artist and teacher, was my first and most important mentor. I observed him closely as he perfected his techniques in metal and resin casting, fabrication, and woodworking. After taking a few art classes, I found that I also loved working with my hands and expanded my interests into ceramics and stained glass. While attending college at the University of Michigan, I helped my father develop a successful fused stained glass sculpture business.