Portrait By Andrew Stys
White Chalk on Black Paper
Creativity. I have no clue where mine comes from. I know that it doesn't stop. Ever. Inspiration can hit at any time. It has no regard for worldly schedules or physical exhaustion. 3:08 AM - no problem - jump up and scribble notes on an envelope (which will be mostly illegible in the morning). In the middle of traffic, going 70 MPH - gotta be a pen and a napkin here someplace.
"Innerspace" has no rules. No direction signs, speed limits, or tour guides. It can be chaotic. It can be disconcerting. But, it "is" - and therein lies the magic.
Passionate. I'm accused of having no "in between". This may be true.
I was born in Warrington, England (more than a few years ago), but came to the US at a very young age. Consequently, I remember nothing at all about my "native" land. Still, the blood of generations of English folk runs in my veins, so I feel a connection that's as deep as it is inexplicable. One day, I'll go back.
I spent my early years in New Jersey and then wandered away to Hartford, Connecticut, where I met and married - much younger than I should have - a wonderful "older" woman from Maine.
Maine was home for nearly 26 years. I lived in some beautiful places, had two great sons, spent 20 years working on behalf of people with disabilities, and of course, created. Lots of interesting things.
Life took a turn, as it always does ...
My wife and I went our separate ways (we still remain great friends). I met a fine lady from Ohio and I soon found myself remarried and living in a suburb of Cleveland. My time in the Midwest had it's good parts, and it's not-so-good parts. The very best part of my time there was spent building a relationship with my two fantastic stepdaughters.
So, I've returned to Maine, paint brushes in hand. I'm living in a century old farmhouse about 8 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Just a short hike through the woods out back is one of the cleanest rivers in the Northeast.
I know I'm a little older, hopefully, I'm a little wiser. Time, as it always does, will tell. In the meantime, it's great to be home
Intense. For the longest time, this was a personality trait that I thought I had to apologize for. But not anymore. In fact, it's at the core of who I am. It's just me.
GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE ■ CONTACT MARK
"Innerspace" has no rules. No direction signs, speed limits, or tour guides. It can be chaotic. It can be disconcerting. But, it "is" - and therein lies the magic.
Passionate. I'm accused of having no "in between". This may be true.
I was born in Warrington, England (more than a few years ago), but came to the US at a very young age. Consequently, I remember nothing at all about my "native" land. Still, the blood of generations of English folk runs in my veins, so I feel a connection that's as deep as it is inexplicable. One day, I'll go back.
I spent my early years in New Jersey and then wandered away to Hartford, Connecticut, where I met and married - much younger than I should have - a wonderful "older" woman from Maine.
Maine was home for nearly 26 years. I lived in some beautiful places, had two great sons, spent 20 years working on behalf of people with disabilities, and of course, created. Lots of interesting things.
Life took a turn, as it always does ...
My wife and I went our separate ways (we still remain great friends). I met a fine lady from Ohio and I soon found myself remarried and living in a suburb of Cleveland. My time in the Midwest had it's good parts, and it's not-so-good parts. The very best part of my time there was spent building a relationship with my two fantastic stepdaughters.
So, I've returned to Maine, paint brushes in hand. I'm living in a century old farmhouse about 8 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Just a short hike through the woods out back is one of the cleanest rivers in the Northeast.
I know I'm a little older, hopefully, I'm a little wiser. Time, as it always does, will tell. In the meantime, it's great to be home
Intense. For the longest time, this was a personality trait that I thought I had to apologize for. But not anymore. In fact, it's at the core of who I am. It's just me.
GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE ■ CONTACT MARK