"A longtime interest in art and the natural world was the catalyst for my transition from a technology career to wildlife art. The journey began while growing up in Texas where I spent most summers with grandparents in rural environments. The opportunity to spend so much time with wildlife developed into more than a casual interest. The ability to draw led to many renderings of both wild and domestic animals and birds. Being self-taught, drawing slowly evolved into painting then sculpting wildlife. My current work incorporates experience from both painting and sculpture. When most people observe wildlife, the focus is on the animal - eye to eye. The surrounding backdrop becomes blurred and abstract. The intent of my work is to capture this blend of realism and abstraction in a wall hanging collage of elements that form a vignette of the animal and its environment. Each piece consists of miniature animal sculptures set in fields of color, form, and texture. Elements of a piece include an acrylic textured and painted wood panel, cast bronze or silver figures and combinations of stone, glass, wood or metal."