My artwork most always starts with a vision. A pattern or color scheme emerges in my mind and it brings me to paint. The guitar Body is my canvas of choice. Somewhere along the line, music meets me in the middle and completes the circle. A song, a genre a decade of music closes the loop, set-lists the soundtrack playing on my mind's "turntable." 

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The inspiration to paint shows up in several places, but most importantly, in own mind. Many times it is the colors themselves that show up in my mind first, the artwork and design follows. As I paint, I begin to see accoutrements, parts and hardware, colors and styles that will become the guitar's overall look and feel. I love patterns: stripes and plaids, geometric shapes, they all ignite my senses of curiosity and creativity. 

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To finish a guitar to completion, is a process that involves several steps. I begin with an unfinished  pre-routed, pre-cut Body and neck. Once the wood has been prepped, I get to work. The process is not always a straight line. If it is, it feels strangely satisfying. I work with a select group of Luthiers. Once I am done with my painting and design, I hand it to the Luthiers to complete the finished product. When it arrives at the finish line, I am always blown away and inspired. The result is an electric guitar that anthems art and music. Not long after I breathe it all in, the next vison comes along, staves the page, hums a bar. The next creation emerges. 

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Fidelity to one's own brand, is key. There are many artists along the way who have informed my work, but in the end, it is most important that I create what I feel is my own work. I have always been in touch with my own sense of style and preferences, as an artist.

 

I strive to give the creative process the room to grow and change, until the equations are balanced, harmony is reached. I like classic undertones and elegant overtones. I am not a whimsical painter. Aspects like temperature of colors guide me to the next step in the artwork. I view my artwork on the guitar as a series of vignettes, islands of sound that float and interact, and ultimately create one uniform work of art. 

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I use a paint brush and paint. No airbrush. Plenty of time for creative thinking. Imagining. Rethinking. Taping. More thinking. Doing. Tweaking. Inspiring. Risking. Innovating. Mocking-up. Designing. Shaping. Lining. Cutting. Patterning. Paint answers the call. Brushes the record, the design forward. The orchestra roars when a super gloss finish seals the deal. Flavor's aroma takes its bite. A full plate of visual art is served with plenty of tone. My guitars are meant to be played, on stage, in the studio, in your living room, by weekend twangers to the professionally gigging artist. They will also look great on your wall. In addition to guitars in my inventory I am happy to take custom orders and make your dream guitar, come to life!