About the Artist
A Michigan boy, growing up in Grand Rapids, I spent many summer days at the Lake Michigan beaches. The feel of the sand, the song of the waves, the color of the lake, and the smell of the driftwood and grasses — I think that’s where art became part of my soul.
There were a few notable experiences that helped me along the way:
• A very encouraging art teacher in third grade (teachers, don’t underestimate your influence)
• 4–6 week stretches at a summer cottage on Lake Michigan
• My parents buying property in Northern Michigan
• Selected as school photographer in eighth grade
• Oil painting lessons in ninth grade
• Major college course correction from engineering studies to an art degree
• And finally a loving wife and family that have enjoyed the outdoors with me on many camping excursions and given of themselves to let me have “creation time.”
Throughout my life my connection to a church family and my personal faith have been sources of inspiration and energy. Sometimes I have thrown that energy back at God in questions, doubts, and fears, but the God of patience and mercy is always waiting for me.
For the last twelve years I have lived in Petoskey, Michigan (just fifteen minutes from the beach). The journey has continued to include many photography, design software, and digital imaging workshops — and just being out there and doing art. I still consider myself in my “formative years” — a time I don’t plan to outgrow.
I have been selected to serve as Artist-in-Residence at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park.

Passion
I have a life-long passion for learning, experimenting, and discovery that has lead to images from a digital palette. Just when I think I have found a niche’ in my visual style, I find I push myself outside the box. I guess it’s a natural result of my willingness to let concepts emerge from many different places in my life experience.

Other Things
Athough creating images is a big part of my life I am interested in other things.

Bob’s Fundamentals:
• Let the peace and joy that comes from the Lord of creation fill your heart.
• Life can be messy • the answers are not always clear • keep working on point one
• Do art.
• Learn the rules and skills.
• Make your own rules.
• Let yourself ignore the rules — even your own rules.

Bob is available for workshops and seminars. Contact him for information.