Who are you and where are you from?

I am a marine artist and fly fisherman. I grew up along the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast of central Florida. 

When did you start fly fishing? 

I have been saltwater flats fishing my whole life but I started fly fishing around 8 years ago. 

When did you start making art? What journey brought you to where you are now? 

I sort of just never stopped making art from the time I was a child. I attended Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, FL and received my bachelors degree there with a major in illustration and painting. I was always painting fish- but I learned how to start working with metal and stainless steel during my senior year of college and started my business right after I graduated in 2016. I have been full time ever since making custom pieces of marine art out of stainless steel for customers. 

What inspired you to become an artist?

I sort of just always was. My mom always really encouraged my creative side and to pursue it. 

What materials and techniques do you prefer to use, and why?

I mostly work with stainless steel now to create custom pieces of marine art for customers. I have crafted a technique through experimentation that has allowed me to have a 5-6 step process in creating sculptures using a plasma cutter, grinding/polishing tools, and a torch to apply color with heat. 

Can you tell us about a particular piece that holds special meaning for you? 

This is a tough one to answer because there are so many pieces I have made that I feel like have helped me to improve my skillset and push myself to improve. I always really enjoy working on Tarpon, and I love to recreate larger scenes from places that I have recently visited or had special trips at. 

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?

I love the actual process of making each piece, but I think my favorite aspect of this journey has been having the freedom to make my own schedule and to travel to fish whenever an opportunity arises. 

Do you have a dream project or goal that you aspire to achieve?

I would love to work at a larger scale more consistently. I have really enjoyed working on pieces that captivate an entire room or space and involve an entire landscape of species including not just the fish but the habitat, birds and other critters that occupy that environment. 

What are your biggest influences or inspirations for your work? 

My biggest inspiration will always be the trips that I take to fly fish and chase new species. I love how the stainless steel as a medium captures the iridescence of marine life through the water and the reflectiveness that we often see when sight fishing. 

Are there any new techniques or mediums you’re excited to explore?

I have been very interested lately in starting the process of making light fixtures. 

Next fishing trip?

I will be in Louisiana in late November chasing Redfish (and hopefully a Sheepshead!), then Magdalena Bay early December chasing Striped Marlin on fly with the Los Locos crew.