Ravenshade

I know art as something imagined, fantastical and mystical. I am passionate about trying to create great works of art. Born in the boom of the 1970's, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, I found myself parented by an aging American Naval Commander and a registered Nurse. My father was 50 years my senior, my mother had me at age 46, which was crazy by most standards even today. At the age of 2, I moved to Southern California, and have lived here ever since.

During times of stern family life, and awkward moments after a dispute, I would escape, the only way I was "allowed" to do it was on paper. After imagining everything I could, I would draw it. I drew from my imagination or memory of something from reality. It was a total escape from my situation, anything less would not let me be free. I found also that my peers thought my drawings were 'really good', I began to think I had talent.

My most influential images growing up would be from comic books, fantasy novels, or random picture books. My father always kept a organized 'Den", so I had unlimited access to paper and pencils, and made full use of this when I could. Often I would get in more trouble by drawing on something he needed or was working on.

Most of my drawings I gave to friends or eventually threw them out, I can't stand looking at my own work pile up for very long. Purging often I think helped me 'clean the slate' and keep my skills open to new influences and approaches. I also think it hindered my development as a painter/illustrator overall also. Every asset can be a obstacle sometimes, and an obstacle can be a opportunity to improve, grow and strengthen me.

I was always in trouble at school. I was kicked out for missing 28 days my senior year, which was devastating to my parents. I hated school, I was always getting sent to the Principle's office for drawing comics in class. I was even sent to a psychiatrist to see 'what was wrong' with me.
Still, I kept drawing, I would not be stopped, as I realized it was the only thing in life that mattered to me was making good images.

So, from there I took my GED, got the top score, and went to college, while working full time. I did sculpture and furniture as my electives, and received a Bachelor's of Art, Environmental Design from San Diego State University. This seemed to 'redeem' me some in the eyes of my father and mother.

I get bored easily, and need to find new things to create, sometimes I try to be realistic, sometimes very abstract. My influences are Paul Cézanne, Giorgio de Chirico, Henry Matise, El Greco. I also love Japanese art, from Shinto to Buddhist to modern day manga.