In 1972, the artist was profoundly influenced by a photorealist exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art, sparking a desire to create similar work. Inspired by painters like Chuck Close and Don Eddy, the artist began producing large-scale oil portraits, initially mimicking airbrush techniques without knowing how to use the tool. After meeting Don Eddy, the artist was encouraged to embrace the airbrush, which propelled the work forward. Over time, the artist’s focus shifted to theatrical, staged portraits and reflective sculptural objects. This led to a deeper exploration of photographic sources, especially in museum spaces, and the relationship between illusion, space, and institutional display—themes that continue to influence the artist’s work today.