I have long been intrigued by the abstract designs that occur in the natural world; the intricate pattern on an insect’s wing, an ice crystal or the silhouette of an oak tree in winter.

Looking at a map one day I noticed the faint topographic contour lines that depict the elevation and shape of landforms. As I studied the map I was fascinated by the sinuous lines of the mountains, valleys and river beds. It was one of those “Ah ha” moments. That's when I decided to create what I call Topo Art; bold three-dimensional abstract art that draws upon the earth's topography for its inspiration.

In technical terms, my art is best described as “tactile abstractionism”. Creating art with an actual third-dimension increases our involvement with the piece because the art becomes a tactile as well as visual experience. The art begs to be touched and continually challenges our perception of it as the lighting or our viewing angle changes.

This exploration into natural design and three-dimensional art has become more than just an artistic endeavor. It has become a personal mission. I want my work to be bold and intriguing art that pleases the eye, stimulates your curiosity and challenges your perception. But I also want my art to inspire people to look at the natural world around them in a different way, to realize there is so much more wonder to this world than meets the eye. There is, as I hope my art demonstrates, an unseen artistry to the land we live upon if we just use our imagination to see it.