How does your personal story/background influence your work?

Growing up I was bullied by teachers and students alike. I was told that I was unteachable, uncoordinated, could never make a living as an artist, and would even fail as a bum if I attempted a career out of that. Even though I had many successes an athlete in swimming by setting my high school record, which still stands today and Olympic level athlete in kayaking, graduated from the University of Southern California and establish myself as an artist and teacher, these words stayed with me for over 40 years. It has only been in the last several years that I feel I have truly broken free. Over the years I found solace and comfort in my art. Some of the most influential and well-educated people could not see the light and shadow of things, color, and historical accuracy in the works I produced.

In the summer of 1979 I created my cartoon characters Rollerbots. They reflect my love for sports and education in a world in which both children and adults can relate. Many of my illustrations and painting have depicted subject matter related to events in my life.