It is the innate human capacity to connect to the sacred and the physical reality at the same time. In this sense, for me, spirituality, emotion and beauty are united. 

My desire when making “Ritual Art” is to create the environment for the known – my own inner direction for shapes & volumes – combined with the unknown, spiritual element – the potential to open up to guidance and direction of forces beyond myself.  My perspective based on my life experience is that the source for the transcendent state provoked by art and ritual is the same.

I come from the beautiful state of Oregon in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.  Growing up on a farm in Oregon, having lived in the desert of New-Mexico, the elements have always been part of my life; the beauty of nature is my biggest inspiration.  I am now a happy resident of Belgium (Vlaams-Brabant) and live in Kessel-Lo with my Belgian wife.

My art is the result of conscious and unconscious sources.  Out of my creative process come sensual flowing organic forms, rhythms expressing balance and unity, characteristics of nature.  Some of my pieces have human, figurative qualities, male and female energies or myth-like faces of ancient gods and goddesses.  My artistic language is expressing my deep belief that everything contains life-energy.

Showing the natural beauty of each stone is essential. Each stone has a personality. Before I start carving, I express my respect and intention in a ritual inspired by the ceremonies of Indigenous peoples. Through the process of ‘direct carving’ a relationship is building with the sculpture in progress. The form that emerges is what wants to come out of this relationship.

For me, my sculptures are manifestations of powers beyond myself. They show energies and patterns from a reality that you perhaps cannot see, but you can sense and feel. They are messages from the Invisible to the visible world. With my art, I intend to help the healing of Mother Earth and serve the evolution of humanity including the generations to come.

This quote of David Chethlahe Paladin, who was a shamanic artist, expresses very well my own creative process.

“When “I” move aside to allow access to a wider awareness, my sense of ego disappears and my identity is strengthened, our true identity is beyond the ego, in the universal consciousness, where we can touch ideas or symbols unlimited by boundaries of time or culture”

-David Chethlahe Paladin in his book “Painting the dream”