In my mind's eye my first memory is, still in the womb, my mother singing and the feeling of swaying and dancing to the sound of sweet soulful music beneath a blue, blue moon. At least that is how I believe it must have been.

I was born in Oregon on a bright blue morning in late March so eager to arrive in this world. They tell me that I am color-blind, I tell you that I am not. I see color all around me.
I know full well the color of the evening sun sifting through aspen upon freshly fallen Teton snow, that my eyes are green, my skies always blue, and, that I'll always treasure a puppy with one black eye.

Growing up there was Daniel Boone, Superman, Green Lantern, and G.I. Joe, but quickly my heroes became Michaelangelo, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Chagall, Gauguin, Klimt, Mattisse, Monet, Okeefe, Picasso, Renior, and Rembrant. And how could I avoid being bitten by Elvis, the Stones, the Motown sound, the Beatles, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Stan Getz, and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

In high school I had the very good fortune to experience not one, but two incredible teachers, both had a profound affect on me. Larry Freemantle taught me painting and printmaking and was so instrumental in helping me discover my artistic self. Bob Sparks, taught me much about diversity, humor, respect, and individuality, he told me that he expected great things from me but not just from my art, he said he expected me to be a good human being. He most certainly was and I try to be. Both mentored me at a time when when I was ripe for learning and honored me with their infectious passion for art, history and creativity. I owe them each much more than I can ever repay.

I studied art briefly in college, then worked for many years in advertising agencies and consulting firms in California and Idaho. During that time I have worn many hats, and loved each one.

The Muse is hard to ignore, I have this inbred need to create every day, making music, painting, creating ceramics, or simply putting on some souful music and dancing beneath a blue blue moon.

It is where I come from, it is who I am. It is in my blood.

Nelson-