The inspiration for ‘Constructing America’ comes primarily from my own passion to work with my hands. I had the opportunity to apprentice with a master plumber in Columbus, Ohio for 2 1/2 years from the age of 22 to 24. During this time I also worked with my extended family in and around other trades including concrete, masonry, roofing and hardwood flooring. This exposure to various trades activated a gift and passion within to learn all that I could. With an increased focus on technology it is my concern that the next generation will miss out on the value and significance of the trades.

            Last year I felt like it was time for a fresh creative perspective. I spent the summer of 2017 contemplating what to paint next. Getting an idea is usually half the battle, but as I started to work on this project I realized that the battle had just begun. I did not anticipate the amount of drawing and detail that would be required in order for the vision of this body of work to be fully realized. It was important to me that each piece accurately represent the trade presented, including relevant tools of the trade as well as diagrams that illustrate the anatomy and practical operations within the home.

            My desire with this series is to give the due respect to the tradesmen whose skill, craft and hard work built the schools, homes, hospitals, markets, nursing homes in the towns and cities all across America. I believe an honest day's work builds character and coming home with a sore back at the end of the day somehow keeps things in perspective. While it is common for our culture to look down on the ‘blue collar’ worker, these are the ones that we should look up to, the ones willing to get their hands dirty to put a roof over the heads of every man, woman and child living in this great nation.