1. How does your project idea take an original and imaginative approach to content and form?

Van Gogh attempted to follow in his Father’s footsteps as a Pastor but it was not meant to be. So how could he still express his love for life, and share this message with others? As a painter. I believe Vincent van Gogh’s art and Zen are pulling from the same path, or leading to the same path. Vincent’s art and Zen both embrace imperfections and find the spiritual beauty in them. Going against the common status quo of what is seen as beauty. And representing it in a way that the beauty in imperfections cannot be denied. So the intention for the result of this project is not a pretty picture. But by way of creation, the intention is that the process of “Zen – Vincent – Philosophy: An Exploration Through Oil Painting” will have a resulting impression that life is beautiful.

2. Place your work in context. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist?

The 2 biggest visual influences on my paintings in the past have been Impressionism and Japanese prints. But now, in the 2020s, it’s still Impressionism or Post-Impressionism but now more combined with Zen. That’s an important distinction, because every piece of art I make now has a purpose, it has a meaning. Meaning, it’s not just art for art’s sake. It’s art with language behind it. If it’s not saying something, then what’s the point. My current painting style is Fauvism, Post-Impressionism, and Expressionism. Influences on my art are, World Events, Zen, Philosophy, Van Gogh, Curiosity and Physics.

3. What kind of impact do you hope your project will have, and why?

Ideally, I want my Creative Capital project to be inspirational. My hope is there’s no one this project would not be an audience for. The World and the USA are in a terrible negative place right now. If this project can be some fraction of a positive movement towards bringing caring about the planet and humanity back as norm. Then that would be more of an impact than I could dream of.
Ultimately perhaps, art is meant as a way for us to see what is right in front of our eyes.

4. How is this a catalytic moment in your practice?

In the 1st half of the 2020s many of my paintings were influenced by the negativity coming from our political leaders. While acknowledging and documenting what is going on in the world around me as an artist seems necessary, that much negativity combined with art is a soul crusher. The negativity continues to grow day after day as of late March 2025, but I need to artistically and mentally move on from it.
My Creative Capital project would be diving deep into a movement growing in a positive direction.  “Zen – Vincent – Philosophy: An Exploration Through Oil Painting” would be absolutely best described as a catalytic moment for me and my art. Transforming my own creative path and potentially the path of others if the journey is successful.

5. How would this support and being part of the Creative Capital community be impactful for you?

My artistic growth depends on outside influences. Having communications from other creatives and intellectual thinkers might be second to only the research needed for this project. I am 50+ and still painting in my basement with as of yet no financial return on the work put in. So I would gladly embrace development and marketing advice along with networking connections, to help grow my artistic career and have fun with a shared experience at the same time.