in 1992, a couple of years after finishing graduate school with an MFA in sculpture, I was beginning a fledgling illustration career working for the Boston-area newspapers and anyone else who would take a chance on me. For fun, I started making small paintings on envelopes which I would then mail to my girlfriend/fiancée/wife Stephanie. Talk about taking a chance!
I did this every day for over a year. And I can’t recommend a daily discipline enough. So much creativity and problem solving must take place. Paying attention to my process and my materials continues to be motivational. Artistically, I was inspired by different artists at the time. For the idea of painting on the inside of flattened envelopes, I credit the Swiss artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In terms of the imagery… I guess: Seymour Chwast, Paul Klee, Milton Glaser, Morris Graves, Disney, Leo Lionni, and many others I’m sure.
In 2012, Oprah Magazine reached out to feature me in an article about unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But all series run their course and it’s rare that their form remains relevant as the artist’s road unspools over time. I stopped painting on the insides of envelopes in 1994 but I continue on my road.
