In my mind's eye my first memory occurred while still in the womb, I distinctly remember the feeling of my mother swaying to the sound of music. She was holding her stomach, holding me, and slowly dancing, 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, and fortunate to arrive just in time for my first visual experiences to be of a vibrant spring.

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 inspiring color of the evening sun shing through aspen upon freshly fallen snow, that my eyes are green, my skies always blue, and, that I'll always treasure a puppy with one black eye.

When I was growing up there was Daniel Boone, Superman, Green Lantern, and G.I. Joe, but my heroes were Michaelangelo, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Chagall, Degas, Gauguin, Klimt, Mattisse, Mondrain, Monet, Okeefe, Picasso, Renior, and Rembrant. And how could I possibly avoid being deeply affected by Elvis, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Motown, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker.

In high school I had the good fortune to experience not one, but two incredible teachers, both had a profound affect on me. Larry Freemantle taught me printmaking and painting and was so instrumental in helping me discover my artistic self. Bob Sparks, an awsome anthropology teacher who everyone loved, taught me much about diversity, respect, and individuality.

Both taught me when I was ripe for learning and honored me with their mentorship. Their passion and commitment was infectious, and I owe them much more than I can ever repay.

I studied art briefly in college, then worked for many years in advertising agencies in California and Idaho. For most of my career I have worked for large corporations and consulting firms. I have worn many hats, graphic designer, art director, creative director, imagineer, IT Director, and Communications Director,
I have loved each role.

The Muse is hard to ignore, I have this inbred need to create every day, be it making music, painting, sculpting ceramics, photography, creating on the computer, or putting on music and dancing beneath a blue moon on a spring night, it is where I come from, it is who I am. It is in my blood.

nelson-