Biography
Okay, so there are a bunch of things that I do that could fill so much space, but let’s focus on the important stuff first:
Born in Hamilton (I am NOT Throwing away MY SHOT), OH. I moved with my family up and down the East Coast, finally landing in Norfolk, VA. Graduated in 2013 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a BFA in Printmaking and Photography. In 2019, I graduated from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA with a MA in Modern Art History, Theory, and Criticism.
My background in Photography is vast, covering all methods for capturing images. I have a passion for people and the connections we make with each other, hence my dedication to Portraiture. I am a lover of natural light, minimal editing, and relaxed posture. I want to capture YOU, not your pose. My photographic inspirations are Roy DeCarava, Gordon Parks, Hank Willis Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, and John Simmons. In other realms of art, I am inspired by Yoji Shinkawa, Jacob Lawrence, Thomas Hart Benton, Nam June Paik, and honestly my peers and students. I reside in the 757 (Tidewater Area).
Outside of Photography, I am an avid gamer and overall nerd. I love all music, but specifically Jazz (Coltrane, Ellington, Monk, Davis, Guaraldi, Masego), Hip-hop (Lupe Fiasco, Wale, Chance the Rapper, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, The Internet), and the Classics (Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, Temptations, Parliament, Earth, Wind, and Fire). I am a Muay Thai practitioner and have been fighting for about 8 years. I love traveling with my amazing wife, Erika, and I am a road warrior. I am a Photography Teacher/Mentor and I love helping educate people on how awesome photography is.
TLDR: I am a creative, natural, and outgoing photographer, who loves video games, Muay Thai, and people.
"Sticking out is standing out unknowingly. Standing out is sticking out with a purpose."
Prior Exhibitions:
- 2022- The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Artists/Educators Exhibition, Norfolk, VA
- 2020- The Plot, PantONE Art Showcase Presented by OpenNorfolk, Norfolk, VA
- 2019- Hermitage Museum & Gardens, Norfolk Arts Educators Exhibition, Norfolk, VA
- 2018- Offsite Gallery, World Trade Center- Norfolk Arts Educators Exhibition, Norfolk, VA
- 2017-Charles H. Taylor Center- NOW: African-American Artists in Tidewater, Hampton, VA
- 2017-Hermitage Museum-Norfolk Public Schools Art Educator Show, Norfolk, VA
- 2016- Art Institute of Virginia Beach- Photography Exhibit, Virginia Bach, VA
- 2015- Stanton Community Center- An Evening of Fine Art: Cancer Benefit Art Show, Annapolis, MD
- 2014- First Baptist Church- 21st Annual Celebration of the Arts Show, Hampton, VA
- 2014- Swansboro Elementary School, Community Black History Month Showcase, Richmond, VA
- 2013- Old Dominion University Senior Student Art Show: WATERMARK, Baron Gordon Art Gallery, Norfolk, VA
- 2012- Prints for Peace International Show, Mexico (submission)
- 2012- Al Mutanabbi Street Tribute- The Written Word Remains (http://www.bookarts.uwe.ac.uk/mainmut12/361.htm)
- 2011- Old Dominion University Annual Juried Student Show and Scholarship Competition, Baron Gordon Art Gallery, Norfolk, VA
Presentations
- 2019: Autism Club Photography and Darkroom Printing Workshop
- 2017– Present: Norfolk Public Schools High School Art Teacher
- 2016–2017: Norfolk Public Schools Middle School Art Teacher
- 2015: Sessional Lecturer- Bookmaking Workshop, Art Institute of Virginia Beach
Collections:
- Private Collection, Maidens, VA
- Private Collection, Appling, GA
- Private Collections, Richmond, VA
- Private Collections, Virginia Beach, VA
- Private Collections, Norfolk, VA
Juror:
- 2022- The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Artists/Educators Exhibition, Norfolk, VA
- 2016- Art Institute of Virginia Beach, Artists Who Served Military Art Exhibition, Virginia Beach, VA