Artist’s Biography

Background

I began working in glass in 1996. Former instructor in hot glass at UrbanGlass and at 160 Glass in Brooklyn, NY. UrbanGlass is a not-for-profit international center dedicated to the creation and appreciation of new art made from glass. 160 Glass is a privately owned and operated hot glass studio in Williamsburg, NY.

Aside from my studio affiliations and studies at UrbanGlass and Pilchuck Glass School, I have no formal training in art.

I hold a BS in Physics/History from the U.S. Naval Academy, an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MD from Weill Cornell Medical College.

I have worked as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, as an investment banker, and as a hedge fund general partner and manager. I am currently working as an Emergency Room physician at NY Presbyterian Hospital.

Due to the difficulties involved in remaining engaged in an industrial art form such as glassblowing while in medical school, I turned my focus to painting beginning in 2003. Since then, I have concentrated on oil and encaustic paintings, primarily portraiture. I am largely self-taught.

Education

UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, NY (1996-2003):
·    Glassblowing with John Pomputius, Jeff Zimmerman, Suzanne Charbonnet and Kait Rhoads.
·    Glass fusing and slumping with Beth Lipman.
·    Glass sculpture with Einar and Jamex de la Torre.

Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA (Summer 2001):
·    Glassblowing design with Nick Mount

Art Students League, New York, NY (2018):
·    Encaustics with Deborah Winiarski

Teaching Experience

160 Glass, Brooklyn, NY (2001-2003)
·   Teaching Assistant, Beginning Glassblowing

UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, NY (2001-2003)
·   Instructor, Beginning Glassblowing Weekend Intensives
·   Instructor, Paperweight Workshop, during monthly Open Houses.

Group Shows

2000  Heights Chateau, Brooklyn, NY. Storefront celebrating local Brooklyn artists and showcasing in particular the work of artists working at UrbanGlass.

2002  Robert Lehman Gallery, UrbanGlass, NY. Exhibit of work created by UrbanGlass faculty

2017  Woods Library, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY. Exhibit showcasing art work by faculty, students and staff.

Commercial Shows

2000  “Crafts on Columbus,” New York, NY

2000  UrbanGlass, New York, NY. Glassblowers Ball and Auction Weekend

2001  “Holiday Show,” UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, NY

2001  160 Glass Gallery, Brooklyn, NY

2001  “Annual Art and Craft Show,” Shelter Island, NY

2001  Pilchuck Glass, Seattle, WA. Silent Auction

2001  Heights Casino, Brooklyn, NY. Silent Auction for the Benefit of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus

2001  UrbanGlass, New York, NY. Glassblowers Ball and Auction Weekend

Prizes

2007  David Clayson Prize for Creativity. Awarded to member of graduating class of Weill Cornell Medical College exhibiting exemplary artistic creativity. For glassblowing.

2017  2nd Runner-Up for “Best in Show.” Awarded to painting “Karin.” On exhibit at Woods Library at Weill Cornell Medical Center.