Since the day I was able to peek over my grandpa's art table and see him work his magic I was captured by the world of creating and creativity. He has worked on big jobs independently since the 60's creating illustrations for many food brands and before computers were able: labels for candies like Starburst and Twix. Del Monte still uses his artwork for their canned goods. Since then I've gone to school to become an art teacher and currently teach K-12 art. I love painting in my studio where my five other roommates have encouraged me to place directly in our living room so they can watch me work as we entertain guests.
I first started seriously painting my senior year in high school when I had the opportunity to go home early and come to school late. instead - half out of wanting to be with my girlfriend at the time and half wanting to take advantage of my extra time I enrolled in 3 hours of art everyday. My high school teachers were instrumental in cultivating my interest into artistic growth - teaching me on an individual level how to stretch my own canvases and use different materials and techniques. I suppose the anticipation of going to college and having my first room to myself (my younger brother and I shared a room since I was six) and being able to make my own decor choices inspired me to create paintings to hang on my wall. This eventually brought the motivation I needed to grow as an artist and eventually brought the decision to become an art major I realized how therapeutic it was for me to indulge in the arts. Towards the last weeks of my experience with my art teachers in high school I knew I wanted to be in their position: someone who could give the gift of learning art.
What inspires you? When I work with my students I get the opportunity to see unbridled and completely original works of art which in turn gives me material to work with. Of course the hugs and gifts are a big factor too in what keeps me moving.
Do you create art in any other forms? The only form I don't regularly practice is glass blowing and basic lamp work but this summer I plan on using my new garage to get into the art form.
Where can we find your work? I keep a blog running at greentuxedo.blogspot.com that I post to anywhere from at least once a week - to sometimes posting multiple times a day. All of my work is available first and foremost for trading and of course for sale as well. Also if you're interested in seeing some of my older work I keep a running gallery online at greentuxedo.deviantart.comDo you participate in any local markets or events? Next September will be my first attempt at applying for art in the park but please message me if you know of a venue in the Boise/Meridian area - Never have been interested in placing work outside of the internet until recently.
Anything else you would like to share? Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, if you follow my blog I'll be hosting monthly giveaways and gift certificates towards my work on Etsy.com
