Identity Statement

I am starting my 26th straight year on August 23. This is my identity - a grown man who has been shaped and molded by the DOC. However, who I am now is in spite of the DOC. My art is often representative of the transformation I have made to be better. To grow, evolve, expand . . often the subject matter in my pieces may seem dark or twisted and yet I do them in bright colors and high details. To me, this expresses how I see myself. It is as if this outside exterior (the convict label, past discipline history) is but a facade. It is the underlying layer that matters. Like a painting - it is the foundation. Mine is strong. My moral, ethical and spiritual foundations underlay this exterior that the DOC has labeled - IP. My identity is an artist, a teacher, mentor, friend, confidant. In these I do give credit to those mentors and teachers who see through my exterior - Stillwater's art class, Rush City's DOS program, Faribault's higher education, the entire DOC education. Thank you.