Artist's Statement

                                           Seed of a Dream

Early on in life, I dreamed of becoming a published author and illustrating the stories in my own books. Although I cannot put my finger on the day or the hour when this vision became part of my future, it could not have been far from the moment when I stood in front of a painting done by Howard Pyle. I recall being swept up, awed to silence as my imagination took flight. A point in time that originates inspiration stands out clearly for many a person in pursuit of the visual arts. Examples set by our predecessors become guiding stars for fledgling talent, and later, through learning and inexhaustible practice, result in a new generation of vision and storytelling to enrich our cultural expression.
Howard Pyle's work, and his teaching that founded the Brandywine tradition of illustration, have offered me that gift of wonder, and more. As a child, I enjoyed his pictures and books. As an adult, his shining example moved my aspirations beyond possibility, and displayed the proof positive that an individual person could pursue two creative dreams and realize their union in the competitive field of publication.
At the time I set out to define my career, I was repeatedly warned that combining my efforts as author and illustrator was possible only in the arena of children's picture books. That the time and skill necessary to write novels, and to paint well enough to place my own artwork on book jackets were two separate goals, each requiring full time dedication. Choose one or the other, my teachers urged, or I risked falling short of my goal.
Many visits to appreciate the original paintings and drawings on display at area museums gave the lie to such well meant advice. Howard Pyle's example in particular kept me on track, working and refining my skills until today; I have sixteen novels and a short story collection published by major firms, and translations worldwide. The books include own art in the interiors and on the jackets, enabled by an illustration career in the arena of fantasy and science fiction.
When the Delaware Art Museum hosted a major exhibition of works by today's living American fantasy artists, I chose to donate my original oil painting, Dragon's Run, to their collection when the show ended. This is my thank you for the example set by Howard Pyle and his legacy as a teacher, which leads the way for others to follow, and my personal statement of gratitude for the tireless efforts of the museum's staff, in keeping that invaluable heritage available to inspire tomorrow's creative talent.

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