Artists' Assistance

Over the years, a number of people have been kind enough to answer my many questions. When I was first began investigating entering art fairs, the assistance I received from various artists was most beneficial.

I learned photography by asking questions of myself, then researching answers by reading.

Even if I obtained only one new idea, generated another question to research, or found a different technique that piqued my interest, each author unknowingly assisted in my endeavor.

Teachers and Others

Looking back throughout my younger life, and then working career, a variety of teachers and others provided insight.

Though unrelated perhaps to anything I was doing at the time, each insight helped push my creativity further.

We Are All "Private Ryan"

I consider myself very lucky. Although I was drafted during the Vietnam War, my duty never took me any further than California.

And before that, I look back at all the men and women who fought, and too many died, during all the previous wars and conflicts. They never had the opportunities that I’ve had.

One of the last scenes in “Saving Private Ryan”, after an intense battle, the captain pulls Private Ryan close to him and says “Earn this”. We are all Private Ryan.

Can't Pay it Back - Thus Paying it Forward

There is no way to pay any of the individuals back for their contribution to my education, whether formal or through lifelong learning, or to those who have sacrificed so much for my future.

However, I can pay it forward.

Lifelong Endeavor

Paying it forward, to me, is not a singular event but rather a continuum without an end. It is a lifelong process.

People Helping People

Paying it Forward isn't some magical process.

In our own unique way, it is simply people helping people.