1. What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with?
Integrity and a good sense of humor.
2. What do you do?
I make paintings that challenge people to think more objectively about socio-political issues.
3. Why do you do what you do?
As an ex-adman, I recognize how the masses have been manipulated to misplace blame and vote against their own best interests by being bombarded with a lot of misinformation. I use my artistic talents to spur discourse and inspire a people to question the messages they are sold.
4. Is this where you thought you would end up?
I had no idea, and that’s what makes it exciting.
5. What values are you committed to?
I’ve always been a bit obsessive about justice. I have zero tolerance for hypocrisy and excessive greed.
6. How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I never have the time to count them.
7. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
As an artist, my required skill is to visually communicate my message. The other skills are to be able to get my message seen by as many people as possible through promotion.
8. Are there any negatives to your job?
The pay is not very good.
9. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started a few years earlier. I began this career at 53.
10. What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
Thinking about all the things they want to accomplish tomorrow.
11. What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
My work is controversial, so even though they privately praise me, large organizations are generally too afraid to associate themselves with me in fear of offending potential donors. The California Endowment’s Son’s & Brothers were brave enough to sponsor some stickers of one of my paintings.
12. What mistakes have you made?
Waiting too long for people to live up to their commitments. Although you can generally accomplish more with the help of others, in my experience, it’s been more expedient to take control myself rather than wait for help that doesn’t come.
13. What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
Integrity. It doesn’t matter how intelligent or talented a person is if their heart isn’t in the right place.
14. Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Perseverance. There is no substitute.
15. What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Envision a long term plan with specific goals and then be flexible enough to deviate from that plan.
16. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
I am fortunate that some of my paintings have received enough attention to direct the conversation on institutional racism and other issues. Art can’t change the world, but it can spark discourse, and that can be the start of positive change.
17. As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
I’m currently writing a children’s book based on my video, “Dear Mr. 1%” about corporate greed. [ Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
18. Which other SBCC maven would you recommend for this interview?
If you had contacted me a couple of years earlier, I would have referred you to my old friend, Pete Seeger. Short of Nelson Mandela, there never was a more dedicated SBCC maven in our lifetime. I recommend you research him.
19. What's the most valuable question we should ask the next SBCC maven who is interviewed on this blog?
Maybe, “What has your experience in SBCC taught you?”
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