Danza Delle PIetra | Dance of the Stones

The term scagliola (pronounced scălliōla, with a silent g) derives from the Italian ‘scaglia’, a local name used in the Italian Alps for limestone (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012). Scagliola is a form of plaster, traditionally gypsum, which imitates decorative stone and has been widely used for the decoration of walls, columns, floors, fireplaces and table tops.  Artificial forms of decorative stone based on gypsum or lime plaster have a long history and were widely used in the ancient world. Recipes for their production can even be found in the works of the great Roman architect, Vitruvius.  I'm honored to announce I carry on this beautiful tradition and artwork and offer my service to create or build any masterpiece.

 While easily mistaken for stone, the finishing technique is nothing more than plaster applied to a wood, stone, or brick substrate—with the principle ingredient being a form of gypsum known as Scagliola, which is mined in northern Italy. Warmer to the touch and sounding hollow when tapped, there are a few signs that instantly give away this marbling techniques secret but the addition of marble flakes, dust, and pieces makes it near impossible to tell the difference from afar. 

As a child I was fascinated with nature and design. I began drawing regularly in the third grade and my main subjects were airplanes, trucks, and cars. By 6th grade I was drawing and sketching very detailed trees, landscapes, and animals and I was introduced to architecture and was given a book featuring one of my many muse’s Frank Lloyd Wright. I convinced my mother to buy me a full size used oak professional drafting table. It barely fit in my bedroom but it changed my life. In 2009 I moved into Cheyenne Canyon near Co. Spgs. Co. The area had incredible rock formations, gorgeous trees a running creek with waterfalls and abundant wildlife. I lived in a small cottage and actually encountered bears, mule deer and fox regularly. Throughout 2008 I had refined my style and had my first major art show at the Manitou Springs Art Center. However the move to Cheyenne Canyon took me to a new creative level. The canyon reminded me and inspired me with a zeal for life and this beautiful place we call Earth. My work began to receive attention and I was awarded several honorable placements and Juror choice awards in national and international art exhibits. I placed first and was given the Peoples Favorite Artist award at the Cheyenne Canyon Art Festival in 2010. If you get a chance to visit this area please stop by the Strathmore Visitor Center. I moved back to my home town Austin Texas in 2012 and have continued to refine and expand my influences. Recently I purchased a small mountain property back in Colorado and have plans to design and build a small but truly unique cabin / artisan retreat. I am a licensed builder in Colorado and have designed and built dozens of unique homes based on my love of architecture and sustainable eco-friendly concepts. Nature is my temple and I hope this is reflected by my passion and design in all my endeavors.

I’m a hardcore science fiction, fantasy and adventure type guy. I was fascinated with reading about Conan the Barbarian and the illustrations created by Frank Frazetta. My bedroom was decorated with art fantasy posters and fantastic illustrations. it was a bit crowded but had just enough room for my drafting table, drum set, stereo and bed.

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Another one of my favorite artist is Roger Dean known for his album cover art and incredible illustrations of Zoomorphic concepts. I began architectural drafting and design at the age of 11 and always admired Roger’s industrial design skills and unique dwellings. This tied in beautifully with my primary interest in architecture based on the incredible work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

My biggest influence came from Michael Atkinson who was a personal friend and my employer at Smokey Ridge Gallery for 2 years. I had the incredible opportunity to see what a successful artist must endure and dedicate themselves to in order to achieve a certain level of recognition and status. Interestingly, I did not implement those lessons until 2 decades later when I began my semi-professional career in water color painting and my contemporary art style.