Get to know me

In what ways were you exposed to art and culture as a child?

Both of my parents were artists throughout my young life. I grew up under

the folding table my folks brought to wood carving shows. My father was a

very talented wood carver and my mother was a painter and various other art

media, too. Both of my parents were educators, too, so they have always

encouraged me to explore whatever academic field of interest I desired. But

more specifically, I would say that some of the most influential aspects of

my childhood art exposure would be looking through art books from my

parents’ bookshelves, watching my parents make artwork, and the day I was

Stan Lee’s personal assistant. (That’s the kind of day that sticks with a guy.)

Tell us about your educational path through college.

I graduated from a community college in Neosho, Missouri, Crowder

College, with an associate’s degree in art. I went on to obtain an MFA

(sculpture) from Southeast Missouri State University before I earned my

terminal degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. It took me

approximately twelve years to complete my higher education due to working

through college as a sign-maker.

What do you most enjoy about being an art instructor?

I love helping students find those “aha” moments. Those moments when a

student who was struggling with some aspect of their project finally has a

revelation. Seeing the excitement when a student finally overcomes their

struggles and suddenly begins to develop their skills much more quickly

than before is one of the best feelings in the world.

What inspires you?

Creativity. It may sound strange, but that is the core of all things that inspire

me. I have become a bit of a creativity snob, though. If something isn’t

particularly creative, like zombies, I am not terribly interested. But if

something is wildly creative, like the snallygaster, I cannot get enough. I

study folklore creatures from around the world, but predominantly those in

American folklore. I have found that the most intensely creative thing in all

human experience is monsters. I could talk all day about what the word

“monster” means and how it is the pinnacle of creativity, but for the sake of

brevity, I can safely say that monsters are the coolest thing ever.

What most appealed to you about Fort Dodge, when you were considering

your move?

I did not know Fort Dodge existed before I found the job listing at Iowa

Central, honestly. I grew up visiting my grandparents in Ames nearly every

year, but I never knew much about any other cities in Iowa. But once I did

my research into all the jobs that were looking for art instructors, Fort Dodge

immediately rose to the top. But as an educator, I have to admit that the

selling points that sold me on coming to Fort Dodge was Iowa Central itself.

I was immediately impressed with the college and could tell that it was not

only a great place to work but a great place for students to succeed and

proceed in their education.

What is something you’d like us to know about you?

I love monsters. I know that is a shocking revelation for anyone who has

made it this far through my interview.

Favorite Artist; Why?

Ugh! This is always the worst question for me. Anyone who makes artwork

is inspired by a myriad of artists who could be considered favorites. If I were

forced to answer this with one name, it could be different each time I

answer. So,… I’ll go with Jim Lee, the iconic comic book artist, today.

Favorite Food?

Rhubarb pie. Not strawberry rhubarb, mind you. No, no. I want none of that

ruining my rhubarb’s bite, thank you verry much.

Favorite Musician?

Oh, geez. This is the same case as “favorite artist.” So today I will choose

The Midnight, a synthwave band I have been particularly fond of for quite a

while.