The Arts have always been my view into the real world, and often my salvation. Throughout my lifetime the interrelation of art and history have always helped to awaken my understanding. As a youth art helped me succeed as a student; I understood the politics of the French Revolution better because of Delacroi, I wanted to dig deeper into the Spanish Civil War after seeing Picasso’s Guernica, and when faced with my own demons, I focused on my art to save myself from the negative influences of my surroundings. Art is and always has been my preferred method of “communication” with the world around me. What cannot easily be said with my voice is expressed without difficulty on my canvas. Even writing this statement feels clumsy to me. My true artist statement can be found in my art.