In my early twenties, I became interested in the idea of photography, and on a hunch brought a roll of black and white film on a trip to Scotland. After a friend showed me the very basics of developing the film, I decided to take a basic Photo 101 at a local college. One class later, I put a darkroom together in an "artist collective" at a local warehouse, and started taking a lot of photographs, and experimenting in the darkroom. Being involved in the artist collective meant immediate exposure. It was like the "School of Rock" for twenty-somethings. And I do consider this to be my art school education. Soon I was publishing photographs in the local poetry arts magazine. This led to local exhibitions in the Mystic galleries, coffeehouses, tea rooms, anywhere with 4 walls and some good lighting. I basically learned by doing. In my early thirties, I refined my act, and went on the road to exhibit in regional fine art festivals, which still keeps me busy, along with some gallery gigs.

I consider my work to be very emotional. I use models to help represent an emotional state, which ties in to place and time. I go for a very nostalgic point of view, almost to the point of histrionics. The camera is perfectly designed for dramatic effect. History is very important to me, and one's place in history is even more important. I cherish the place where I am from, and want to make a contribution towards its history through my photographs, which feature Mystic in all of its natural glory.

Education:

Bachelor of Science-Business Degree.University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (1985-1989)

Part-time student in Photography, Connecticut College, New London, CT (1992-1993)

Experience:

Photo and Studio Assistant to Rollie McKenna, Stonington, CT (1995-1998)

Photographer for the Stonington Historical Society, Stonington, CT (1998- present)