My interest in the visual arts goes back to my childhood, in Chicago, when I was fascinated by artifacts of past times: cigar-box labels, old weapons, antique machines, Gothic buildings, etc.

At about the age of 20 I worked briefly in an architect's office and decided that I could not adapt to the business; instead I was drafted into the Army for two uneventful years. Then I came to New York, found a small apartment for myself where I still live and work, and decided to be a painter. After some years of that I began to make small drawings for The New York Times and other publications. I've had a small success in the illustration business, but thanks to the computer I'm now able to extend my talents and skills to printmaking, graphic design, and other projects that extend beyond the world of commercial illustration.

Influences: Nature and the rich examples of classical art that are all around the City of New York. Also, from an intellectual point of view: my father (a political science professor) and his friends; also the critic Henry Reed, and the art historian, Norris K. Smith. I am also a very big fan of the Dover press: I have many of the great books that they've reprinted over the years.

I agree with Pierce Rice's dictum that there's only one art, and so I don't draw boundaries; and I hope to explore every genre of the visual arts in years to come.

The most interesting work is generally accomplished within the context of a particular commission or assignment, and I hope to make myself useful to others who have projects and ideas to which I might contribute.