I am the son of a Nebraska farmer. During my childhood on the farm the dominant mantra was “work hard.” After earning a BFA in Commercial Art, I have spent over 20 years working hard in commercial printing, design, web design, photography, and marketing. Returning to school for an MFA in art in my 40s has reenergized my perspective on the possibilities of creativity and experimentation.

Back in Nebraska now, I don’t know if I still believe that there’s anything inherently commendable about working hard. But the pleasure of it is ingrained in me, and questions around the concept, value, and processes of “labor” have become increasingly important to my emerging studio practice.