So much of my life has been centered around all things visual – a twisted bit of irony for someone who watched his father’s sight dim to nothing and is suffering the same fate. Maybe that has been the impetus for my intense passion for design and the visual arts, and for helping others with low vision or blindness while also contributing to efforts toward cures. I serve on the Board of Trustees for CABVI and am in my 14th year as president of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. I’m also an active member of the Cincinnati Art Club, and am an AIGA Fellow.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this year. We don’t have children, but our lives are generally ruled by two Shelties. Our extended families are spread from coast-to-coast, so our time with them is fleeting, but precious.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career as a graphic designer has spanned 37 years. I have owned my own practice for nearly 20 years and have also worked for some of the largest design firms in the country and some of the best known global brands. I have also donated hundreds of hours to non-profits, in part serving in leadership capacities for design organizations. Now, I divide my time between select design projects, work for non-profits and my greatest passion … painting. I love to use design to solve problems and inform, but most of all, I like the process of creating.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Taglio and Brew River Creole Kitchen. Great East End eateries.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I followed my girlfriend (now my wife of 20 years) to Cincinnati in 1997. We lived in Loveland until 2014, when we fell in love with our current spot on the banks of the Ohio River.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many come to mind, but for me, probably Charley Harper. My wife and I love his work and own several pieces. I was fortunate enough to meet him shortly before he passed away in 2007.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Venice. I’ve seen a good bit of Italy, but not Venice. Any city on the water steals my heart and I want to see Venice before I no longer can.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Sideways
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Chart your own course
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A cure for blindness
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Bob Dylan or Miles Davis
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Appointments in Carew Tower
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
President Obama. He has been one of the most transformative figures of our time – and he has a great sense of humor. Eli’s might be a good spot for this lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Mighty Ohio. I just can’t get enough of the river.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Relaxing on my deck, looking out over the river with my wife, some friends, our Shelties and a good Kentucky Bourbon.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have double-jointed thumbs.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Maui. Sublime.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June. Christmas. April 17th (my wedding anniversary).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Any day at an art museum.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife. And John Singer Sargent.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
An ocean breeze and freshly baked bread.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Friends. Love.
