As a 'Garden Artisan', I bring the training and intuition of a sculptor to the somewhat more technical work of garden design and construction. While an outdoor living space can bestow a multitude of important benefits to its owner (such as nutrition, and/or climate modulation), perhaps the ulimate goal of such a space is bringing inspiration, relaxation and peace of mind to its inhabitant. And as such, a graceful flow of rhythm, line, form and color is of the essence. While the capacity to achieve these qualities lies deep within everyone, they are most readily available to the trained hand and eye of the artist. Such a craftsperson, for instance, can carve the curving edge of a flower bed with such mastery, that its confidence and grace speaks from well across the yard.And in a similar fashion, I bring the knowledge of both natural and man-made materials won in the field, back into the studio, to design and craft elegent sculpture that resonates (and finds itself well at home in) the garden, on the porch, or in the sun room. These sculptures range from elegant planters crafted from retired bicycle tires, to gargoyle downspouts. In both ends of this work, I work closely with clients to ascertain their needs, seek out graceful solutions to any challenges the site faces, incorporate these solutions into graceful designs, budget and collect materials, execute projects, satisfy and delight clients. Some projects that I have completed for my clients are:-railroad tie flower beds, steps and retaining walls-plantings-masonry paths -a 60 foot long bamboo rail leading to a labyrinth (rail in the Japanese tradition) -a custom made snapping turtle head gargoyle to cover the end of a 6" drainage pipe.-many hundreds of linear feet of cedar post fencing, and dimensional lumber privacy walls (working as a partner and assistant)

Reptilian Forms, Furnishings and Accessories, Crafted from 'Re-Tired' Rubber (For the Jungle and the Hut).Here at Reptire Designs, we design and craft both sculptural and functional artworks from "Re-Tired" Rubber. You could say we 'tap' the tire, or more accurately, we tap the hidden wealth of resources buried therein (in short- durability, flexibility, and sheer sexiness).With these qualities in mind, we are currently spawning a far reaching family of product lines to serve 4 key markets- the Fine Arts, Indoor Furnishings, Outdoor Furnishings, and Fashion Accessories markets, with plenty of healthy overlap in between. As a sculptor and craftsman, who has committed myself to working with this willful, and in many ways untamed material for the past 11 years, I have, by necessity, had to devise and invent my own tool set, terminology and technology, to begin to gain a certain mastery over this medium. And with this mastery I have developed a vocabulary of forms and techniques which allows me to speak in a new tongue (of black rubber), which viewers (collectors, jurors, critics, art historians, public alike) seem to readily respond to.I believe that it is a tribute to the power and richness of this language of forms and symbols, combined with the durability and mystery of this material, that I fulfill commissions for sculptures, show this work in juried regional and international exhibitions, win honors for it, and was recently invited to install a body of this work in a museum.If Reptire Art and other forms and practices of Creative Reuse are intriguing to you,I am available to speak to schools and civic clubs. I am an engaging speaker, who enjoys, and is passionate about engaging groups and individuals in Creative Reuse. I can even bring my friend "Tiny Tyrius" a 50-foot long tire worm puppet!Reptire Designs- Taking The Tire HIGHERWe can be found on the web at www.ReptireDesigns.comAnd don't forget to check out our blog at reptire.blogspot.com

Robust and Artful Designs for your Signs.At SpEYEdr Graphics & Illustration, I begin by focusing on what your specific marketing / visual communication needs are, at this point in time. Through an intensive interview process, we work together to understand where you are coming from, where you are going with your business, and then narrow in on exactly what it needs at this moment.Only from there, armed with this deep knowledge of your business, do we move forward together, to develop powerful, eye catching graphics, to instantly communicate your unique value to your customers.Some projects that I have recently undertaken with clients:GRAPHIC DESIGN:-memorable logo's that have become a most valuable asset of the business. -breath-taking event posters that are coveted and collected by venues and shop owners.-distinctive business cards-brochures that communicate and explain your product or service (I offer help with writing copy also) ILLUSTRATION:-an illustrated map that was prized and celebrated by locals and shop owners.-portraits (cartoon to realistic)-greeting cards-spot illustrationsPOINT-OF-SALE MERCHANDIZING DESIGN:-Rich hangtags that your customers will hold onto, long after purchase.-in store and trade shop displays will help your product stand out from the crowd.-eye catching signage-CD/album covers-product/service packagingFACADE:-from color scheme to artful design-marquee, mural, sign painting / design-landscape design-window display-banner designI AM:-good with deadlines-comfortable working with printers to help you get your design out there to your customers-a skilled and gifted writer (so I am told), and enjoy the challenge of writing ad copy (which is an art and a science all its own). Ultimately, you need someone who can not only translate the value of your business into both words, ideas and images, but also integrate these seamlessly. A hack with a mac and a knack, if you will. I happen to be just such a person.

You-nique Caricatures and Face Painting, creatively tailored to fit the spirit of your event.As the Principle, I consult with each client to comprehend the essence of their vision for the event. From there, I go to my studio, and hit the drawing table, and the history books, to ferment and develop an artistic theme; to 'animate' this idea! Once I have captured this particular spirit in a 'bottle' (style/or artistic approach), I then import this into the party, infusing it into on-site body art, or keep sake caricatures.What can add a more personal and memorable touch to your event, than a take home portrait or body-art, bearing the signature essence of your party?

I teach a variety of Summer Camp classes at the ArtsCenter, including Drawing, Cartooning, Sculpture and Art Making with Recycled Materials. For these, I develope extensive but flexible lesson plans, and strategize with co-leaders and counselors to provide the best possible art-learning-experience for participants. I also occasionally teach theme specific workshops through the After School Program at the Arts Center.

"The Scrap Exchange was founded in 1991 by a small group of people who were seeking to establish a sustainable supply of high-quality, low-cost materials for artists, educators, parents, and other creative people." (from their website www.scrapexchange.org)Aside from this cornucopia of continuously changing materials that they regularly divert from the landfill and provide to the public, The Scrap Exchange's operations also currently include:The Green Gallery, where they exhibit the work of artists working in reclaimed materials; The Artist's Marketplace, a retail shop, where Reuse artisans sell their works of art; and Outreach Events and Workshops, which serve a wide variety of different populations in the NC piedmont.While I have exhibited my artwork in the Green Gallery, and currently sell my work with the Artists Marketplace, I have most recently been involved in the Outreach program; ferrying barrels of industrial detritus to various events, to engage people of all ages in Creative Re-Combobulating.

ZamBamBooGee is a tight-knit group of skilled and experienced musicians and technicians, who love creating music together. Our sound is influenced by The Blues, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Latin and French Club Music.We are a Dance Band, and pay due consideration to traditional dance styles and rhythmic feels when crafting our grooves, bringing these to life in fun, new ways. And it shows- we were recently voted Best Dance Band in our area on Reverbnation.We regularly meet to play (in the truest sense of the word), create, and work hard at 'buffing' our musical 'rubys' to a glow. This performance/feast we then deliver to crowds large and small, who complete the puzzle with the wild dancing and energy that they bring. Merriment and Release ensues.We are available for hire to joyfully enliven private party's, public events and celebrations of all kinds.You can find us on the web, at www.ZamBamBooGee.com, facebook, and Reverbnation.

Partner and contract with local schools and non-profits to engage the imaginations and senses of participants of all ages' in enriching arts activites. Arts Engagering:Using Hands-On-Arts-Activities To Explore The Natural Sciences, And Our Personal Histories.

At harmon-e-scapes, we work with You and Nature to Co-Create your 'Great Escape'!This means that we work closely with you to get to know you, and learn what you and your space's needs, aspirations, and best potentials are. We then work with you (and nature) to design and craft an outdoor living space over time that is inspiring, relaxing and enjoyable for many years to come. But it doesn't end there. We will maintain our relationship with you and your garden, and help to guide you in your own relationship with it. Seeing people enjoying their thriving garden spaces is what gives us our juice!Some features that we have recently helped bring to people's gardens and lives are:-a memorial Railroad Garden, complete with a rolling rocky ravine, straddled by a tressle, and extensive and artful pathways and plantings.-a rosy-hued flagstone backyard 'lilly padio' -an undulating forking goddess/serpent pathway connecting a front porch to a garage.We can also help to perk up a sagging garden space or feature, breathing vibrant new life/energy into the space. Recently we have:-revived and redeveloped a washed out stair case and patio area.-restored a series of snake-back-slate pathways to a garden office in the woods.-restored and refined sweeping raised beds at the entryway to a business training center.-extensively developed, revived and reorganized several acres of managed forest and garden beds.We regularly:-transplant, trellis, and prune shrubs and small-medium sized trees.-develope 'symphonic' flower beds, that bring a dizzying cascade of scent and color throughout the cycles of the seasons. We bring a wealth of experience in working with a variety of outdoor materials.But what sets us apart is our approach to how we work with you, and this environment.To our work, we bring both a Gardener's patience, and an Artist's hand and eye; intuitive and attuned to enchantment and interest, but above all else, grace and harmony in the garden.

Chatham County Together!'s mission is to encourage "at risk" youth and young adults to become healthy, self-sufficient, and contributing members of society by:-Fostering positive mentoring relationships-Encouraging academic success-Teaching valuable skills-Offering family advocacy & support one-on-one, in small group and/or family settings.I worked through CCT!'s Drop Out Prevention Program, to encourage at-risk high school students to survive high school, leverage its resources, and to think towards a future beyond it. This was a rewarding experience at the time, but most rewarding, the school principle recently shared that many of the students we worked with graduated in large part because of the assistance that CCT! provided.

(Temporary, intermittent employment). During the Address Canvasing phase, I 'hoofed it' in both rural and urban areas to revise residential mapping data from 2000 Cencus in preperation for 2010 Cencus. During the Innumeration phase, I assisted respondants in completing their Census forms.During the final NRFU phase, I performed Quality Control for the Non-Response Follow Up crews.

Intermittent Assistant to Stacye Leanza, Your Friendly Neighborhood Muralist, Pittsboro, NC.Assist in prepping, painting and finishing large painted murals and signs; for cities, schools, businesses and homes, indoors and out. Duties included assistance with design, image transfer/plotting, mixing paints/matching colors, painting, cleaning brushes, and engaging, recruiting and instructing volunteers as needed, Guest DJ on the set.

May 2009 Taught one-week Arts & Literature camp to six students of varying ages through the themeof *CAVE ART*. Directly involved students in the design, construction and creation of apermanent and artful *cave mural* installation in reception area of school building.Engaged students in every step of messy and experimental process- needless to say, theywere enthralled!

Prepared and finished large, stainless-steel metal sculpture for respectedsculptor of international caliber. Assisted in building crating and supporting armatures for transport of sculptures, and assisted in the installation of several sculptures, at local botanical gardens, a church, and at a public art exhibition. Also assisted in maintainance and development of the studio's grounds, which included the building of concrete pedestals, and extensive landscaping.

The Hero Book Project was begun by health workers in developing countries. Initially, it was developed as a way to help individuals with chronic illness, namely HIV, cope with the hardships, and challenges this condition placed on themselves and their families. However, the intrinsic usefulness of the project made it a model that was soon adapted to other populations experiencing extreme stress, and indeed is useful to anyone who experiences difficulties and hardships (and who hasn't on some level!).This project was brought to SAGE Academy, a school which serves at-risk High School students, by an inspired Guidance Counselor and (not coincidentally) Story Teller, who I had worked on mural with, along with her at-risk students at another school. She invited me to come and help lead her students at SAGE Academy through the excersize. And so, over the course of several weeks, I guided 12 at-risk high school students in creation of autobiographical storybooks, testifying to personal struggles that they had worked to overcome in their lives. I was involved in most stages of the project.On the prep end, I created the budget for the grant, and co-developed curriculum with the English Teacher and Guidance Councelors, and collected and inventoried materials. I then engaged and mentored the students in the writing, illustrating, and finishing of their Hero Books, by hand binding their books in leather and burning personal symbols on this protective cover.Finally, I helped to arrange presentations of their hero books to their peers and teachers at SAGE, to their friends and family at an offsite reading at a cafe, and a tour of local artists studios downtown.It was a powerful experience (I made a lot of friends there with the staff and students), and I am grateful to have been involved in it.

Assisted innovative and sought after garden designer/builder/author in building various distinctive garden features for clients, including: multileveled decks, raised beds, whimsical tree houses, geometric fish ponds, sweeping masonry retaining walls and paths, and many different kinds of plant gardens, ranging from formal 'knot' gardens, to moss, bog, desert, tropical and mediterranean gardens.Duties included site set up / break down, organizing and maintaining tools and supplies, drafting site drawings, and heavy / semi-skilled labor on site. Worked closely with owner, and was given many smaller projects to undertake and/or complete unsupervised.Learned many valuable insights about site design, masonry, carpentry and horticulture, as well as the garden design/construction business.

Co-led 10 high-school students in summer of service-learning, involving them in an arrayof experiences: serving food at Soup Kitchen, testing and cleaning bodies of water,revitalizing derelict school gardens. Duties included support of crew leader, helping to lead thought-provoking exercisesto prepare them for their service, actively involving them in the work projects, andco-leading more exercises to help them reflect on their experiences. Worked with staff tofacilitate100 student field trips to 6 destinations like Museum of Natural Science andGolden Gate Bridge, and finally overnight camping trip.

Worked on tight 3 man team to develope an artful and engaging10 unit curriculum centered around the nutrition, specifacally related to anemia. Delivered this curriculum to K-2 graders in neighborhood where "food desert" conditions had led to risk of anemia.Also maintained and engaged students in onsite gardens. Promoted at end of term of service to elite Project YES program.

Assisted 3 different instructors at camp to cultivate young artist*s skills in cartooning. (the SF Education Project puts professional Artists in class rooms, in this caseIllustrators). Duties included working one-on-one with students, helping them understandand complete assignments, assisting instructors with classroom management, andset up / break down of activities.