I create works of art that are part ancient, part futuristic and part spiritual to inspire the viewer to consider the unlimited possibilities of exploring earth and the universe. In my sculptures and star charts I combine elements found in physics, astronomy, navigation and sacred geometry to create my works of art. I believe that the arts and sciences are closely connected to the health of the human spirit. It is through this seeking of the unknown that one can grow and develop as a human being on planet earth.

The earliest star charts used in the South Pacific Ocean were fabricated from bamboo, shell, and string. The stars were plotted to depict where the boats would have to travel in order to go from island to island. The charts enabled the sailor to travel in the open ocean outside the sight of land. This age of exploration was based on these early star charts. I use bamboo, string, wax and ink on parchment paper to create the mixed media collage constructions. Working as a sea captain on commercial fishing boats in the North Atlantic Ocean inspired me to create star charts which explore the dimensions of time and space. As I would navigate in the open ocean I would study topographical maps of the ocean floor. Visualizing the depth of the ocean and converting this data in my mind to a three dimensional model gave me the inspiration to carry the concept skyward and create my celestial star charts which are abstract maps of the heavens.

My experience with celestial navigation provided me with a vast amount of source material to use in these works. Instead of focusing on the navigation of ships on the sea I seek through these works to focus man’s attention toward space and the exploration of the heavens. It is in the human nature to explore and to seek the unknown. With my work I seek to draw one’s attention off-earth toward the heavens. President Kennedy stated in an address concerning space exploration: “We set sail on the new sea because there is a new knowledge to be gained.”