The creative process begins with a vision. Imagination is the process of creative thinking. The greatest imagination must never be limited by what we know and see. If it is, we will spend our days recreating what has already been created. To dream and conceive an original idea is the greatest gift that takes the greatest courage! This kind of thinking is at the heart of the sculptural process. The thinking that what I do today will create the future I will live in tomorrow! If I am bold in my creative thinking, as I know I should be--I will create original works that will be monumental in size and strength!

In creating portraits of the Presidents or other subjects, I begin with a thorough search to understand the heart and personality of each person. I read biographies and other articles. I studied film and video and I searched for the highest quality photographs. I do some rough sketching to get a feeling for the form and composition of the portrait. I think about the most unique qualities of my subjects, and then I choose a pose that will most effectively highlight each individual's most compelling features.

Now the sculpting begins with a rough layering of clay until the desired form of the subject is achieved. There is a powerful connection that I make between the images before my eyes and each person. As I am sculpting, I often recall the text I read that made a powerful impression. I can often see things hidden in the photographs that become pivotal in the sculptural process. Now, I take that visual connection and all that I know about the personality of the subject and I sculpt layer upon layer until something very powerful begins to appear.

Now before my eyes, I begin to see this image of the subject coming into being. There is a wonderful moment with every portrait where the sculpture comes to life. It is a crossing over from a lifeless form to an almost living presence. Now the honest work of perfecting each subject is employed. All sense of time is lost as I work in the finest detail. At times I am sometimes unaware of my natural hunger for food or even my need for rest! But as my day comes to an end, I am struck with the speed with which the day raced by. After time with family, my nights are filled with thoughts about my sculpture. I am sculpting in my mind until I get back to the studio to transfer my visions to the clay.

Now there comes that day when I am finally at peace with the vision created. The likeness and personality of the portrait has been captured, my thoughts are now completely satisfied. I feel like I am in the company of my subjects!

This must be a gift from God because I know I am able to do things I have never been formerly trained to do! This is the creative process and it is the life I have always dreamed of living!