I have been most strongly influenced by direct metal sculptors of the early twentieth century whose works convey a strength and honesty to which I aspire. I feel that an artistic statement should, like good writing, be bold, concise and straightforward with each element of the work contributing meaningfully to the finished statement. At the same time, the artist must be able to impart a harmonious eloquence that determines the work's artistic merit. To achieve these qualities in a material as unyielding as steel is  the  challenge  of  the  direct  metal  sculptor.