Artistic License

For the past decade, I’ve actively avoided the label of artist — mostly because I’m keenly aware that the tag is overused to the point that it can be misleading, if not altogether meaningless. Beyond that, the simple fact that I’ve never specialized in one medium seemed to help support the case (in my own head) that I’m simply artistic (or creative) but not a bonafide artist. When the “Occupation” space on a form would try to stick me in a box, I always got frustrated, and would pen any of the following equally meaningless (and vague) labels including “Owner”, “Manager”, “Self-Employed”, “Producer” — the list goes on.

Still none of those told an accurate story of what I do, let alone who I am.

That simple question often led me to ponder — or even get paralyzed — by the notion that maybe I wasn’t much of anything. Sometimes, in fact, I thought that the easiest word to drop in the blank space was just “Dad” — because, at the very least, it was something I was proud to be.

But beyond that…

I’m an avid photographer and have done plenty of work professionally while also selling my original prints on a daily basis at both the COAST shop and online. I have proper cameras of all vintages and varieties, but because most of the shots people see of mine come from a phone, I felt that took away from the honor of the trade and therefore was hesitant to hop in that box.

I’m a self-taught graphic designer and have a rather expansive portfolio of visual identities, branded print material, logos, social media assets, and screen print designs that have been recognized and utilized around the country — but because I never got an official degree or certification in the field, I’ve tended to shy away from that label mostly for fear that someone who has those credentials might take offense.

I’m a painter — initially on a more commercial level — having hand painted signs for years, then moving onto larger-scale installations including a series of rather massive murals at 24 North Hotel. One of those murals — which I completed with a good friend and collaborator five years back — stands seven stories tall (certainly the tallest piece of art on the island) and tells the simple story of Hemingway’s The Old Man And The Sea. 

And more recently — also with brush in hand — I’ve found myself experimenting with painting more personal works on traditional canvases, wood panels, and paper. That pursuit is still in its infancy, yet — like photos and design and murals — is most certainly art that people have appreciated and encouraged me to continue trying my hand at.

All of that said, over the past few years — specifically after a handful of life changing events — there has been a marked increase in the amount of time I’ve spent on projects that have gotten me more comfortable with the enigmatic label of “artist”. And at the same time, I’ve realized that being an artist is as much about the way one approaches life, interacts with their surroundings, and finds beauty in simple things, as it is about the specific tools they use or works they produce.

And while this change has felt very personal, I think it must have been outwardly evident to some folks who know — or have gotten to know — me well.

This past fall, for instance, while I proofread Kristian’s applications for prep school, he wrote — on his own accord — that his dad was an artist. Five years ago I’d bet he would have said I owned a clothing brand or produced concerts simply because it seemed more fitting or easy for him to rationalize.

Also around that time, a national publication that I've been a big fan of for years, called Wildsam, interviewed me, then produced and published a beautiful field guide for The Florida Keys which included a small, well-curated selection of profiles for an array of local characters. In it, I was, quite surprisingly, the only one listed as an “artist” and my profile (much to the delight of Naia) sat adjacent to none other than Judy Blume — an international literary icon who more-than-deservedly filled the “author” space in that section.

And then just today — again to my surprise — it appears that others have also begun to see me in a similar light. As someone who has always prided myself on defying categorization, the annual Bubbas Awards — the definitive “Best Of Key West” compilation — threw me into the ring for the finals of “Best Key West Artist”. This came on the heels of a few weeks of online nominating that has seen other folks and firms campaigning to get their own names on that final ballot. 

Funny thing is, my first vote for artist actually went to John Martini — a tried-and-true artistic legend on the island — who I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working alongside for a few years now. And when I went to nominate him in the online portal, my name popped up at the top of the list — which meant (I’m guessing) that others had already given me votes.

Sure enough, over the course of the next few days, friends mentioned they had voted for me and wished me luck. My kids jumped on the voting bandwagon, too, and while it seemed unlikely I’d advance — especially on an island of established (and obvious) artists — I must admit I cracked a smile when I saw the list of finalists this morning.

So there you have it — a decade of experimenting with my creative side and the evolving (if not reluctant) acceptance of a label has me leaning towards filling out my next official form with “Artist” under the Occupation heading.

All said, please vote if you have a minute. Art is subjective, so choose the artist who speaks to you. I’m up against an international legend in Wyland — though I’m not sure he actually lives here in town. Whatever the case, I’m just appreciative (and humbled) to be acknowledged. There are loads of other categories and qualified nominees at the link, too — so support all your friends who are also trying to make it on our little island at the end of the road.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported my evolution over the years…