18th Street Pilsen Open Studios - 2024

CONNECTION TO PILSEN:

Been visiting Pilsen & local muralists since 1969, after my first mural in Cabrini, esp. since 1970, when met Ray Patlan. Co-organized the Anti-World War 3, mural on Western & 19th, 1980. Moved to Pilsen in 2006, to a studio & apartment on Cermak, adviced by Duarte, to equalize my and my wife's commutes... Participated in Open Studios since then.

ARTIST BIO/STATEMENT:

After a lifetime devoted to neighborhood public art, I am now as I always have been, a studio artist, making prints and paintings. Theme and drawing come first. The subtext is often the challenge of living alone/together, as we share our neighborhood and share our beautiful blue planet.

My linocuts, woodcuts and paintings reflect my identification with Pilsen, where I have lived for 17 years, had friends and colleagues for over 40 years. Behind my studio, I have a small garden full of native flowering wild plants.

Pilsen is always evolving, BUT is now facing attack by absentee corporations.

Finally, I also honor the memory of poet/printmaker/activist Carlos Cortez, who was an inspiration to me and to so many others.