I grew up in a household of art and words. My father, Arch Garner, was an artist whose fine art medium was sculpture, primarily of portraits. He was a true artist, intellectual and bohemian, and my growing environment was not only amid his artistic creativity, but that of his many artist friends and associates.
My mother's art was words. Beginning as a copy writer for publishing companies in New York City, her life-long endeavor has been the study of languages, mostly Spanish. She obtained an advanced degree in Spanish Literature, taught Spanish (and French,) and then in retirement, translated for Spanish speaking refugees seeking asylum in Canada. The love of language, its depth and peculiarities, are still a major part of her life.
Coming from these creative and intellectual surroundings, it was natural for me to have such interests, and thus no surprise that my life has been full of artistic and academic pursuits.
I have made my living as a tradesman, in horticulture and architecture and points between, but have considered myself an artist all along, engaged though I might have been in the other end of the creative spectrum. Designing and installing landscapes, and my work as a building contractor, gave me ample opportunity for artistic expression, and much of my work has included things that fell more in the category of fine art than craft. This is an etched window in a private home in Carmel Valley.
Photography has been an expressive medium for me in many ways, including fine art color images. I can never get enough of graphic design and drawing, either.
More recently, sculpting has become one of my favorite artistic endeavors. Metal sculptures from old bicyle parts gave me great pleasure for their expressive whimsey.
Naturally, in getting my doctorate I had to learn writing and editing skills. Beyond necessity however, I have come to love writing.
More examples of my art can be found on the ART page, and of my writing on the WORDS page... you are of course invited to have a look.