About the Artist

I'm a small piece of carbon wandering in the spectacular grandeur of our land. Said another way, I've been described as being part George Patton due to my planning and drive, and part Walt Disney thanks to my prolific creativity. I must like that since I’m listing it here.

When asked "Where you from?" I must always answer that I'm a mutt – California born, Texas raised and New York City & Chicago professional life. The family all now lives in New Jersey, which is where I stash my backpack now.

I'm a graduate of one of the world's most prestigious design/art schools - Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. There I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts "With Distinction."

What was I doing before hiking? I’ve been an advertising Creative Director, which is someone who thinks visually, verbally, uses music, graphics and strategy to let a certain group of people see or understand a particular product. I did this on heralded Madison Avenue in New York City as well as in the windy city of Chicago. All great fun (most of the time.)

In 2004, I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in four months and sixteen days while writing and drawing illustrations for a new book. "We're Off To See The Wilderness, The Wonderful Wilderness of Awes" celebrates that epic journey with journaling, creative short stories and over two hundred images (That's how my trailname "Postcard" came into being.) This up-to-date look at a thru-hike marries a whimsical adventure story with real life hiking wisdom in a section named Have More Smiles In Your Miles. (See the book section for reviews and more.)

The AT reconnected me with our wonderful land, which I seemed to have forgotten from all those years in metropolis. I'm more a walker than a runner. I talk to the animals on the trail; thankfully, they don't talk back so I know I'm still Ok. I'm still moved by breathtaking vistas and the kindness that so many show us on our journey. As a result of that exposure to all things joyful, I thru-hiked the AT a second time in 2006. A repeat thru-hike is easier in some ways and more difficult in others. Throughout the journey I once again journaled and drew about the texture of life on the trail.

I’m at my happiest when I’m creating. I believe individuals can make a difference and we should spend more time fixing problems rather than fixing blame. I like being optimistic and trusting – definitely a “half full” individual. One should try to avoid postponing life – September 11th, 2001 taught us that. Thru-hiking revealed to me how the simplicity of walking is one of life’s truly great pleasures.

And finally, everyone should try hiking at sometime in their life or at very least; enjoy the journey from their favorite chair with my book or with a whole house of my original prints. (Shameless promotion). Hope to see you out there in the land of awes.