My travels through the “Rust Belt,” Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, and Gary, have had a large influence on my work. My paintings became filled with the imagery from these trips- colorful blighted buildings, satellites, stairs, and wires. These lived-in places showcase and preserve the ghosts of the generations who have come and gone. Meanwhile, new generations have put their mark on top of these homes and buildings. Often, these changes are added in layers piled atop one another in a way that is not unlike the process of painting. I paint examples that have acquired a unique beauty stemming from years of use.