Question: Tell us a little bit about yourself, affiliations, personal stuff.
Bob: I was born and raised in the Midwest, outside of Detroit in Dearborn Heights, MI. I have been married to Judy, my wife of 32 years and we have 2 grown children. I have been visiting Florida my entire life and actually lived in Sarasota for a few years when I was 6 years old. We decided to move to Florida in 2009 to be closer to our relatives. I have been very active my entire life, both personally and professionally. I am a strong believer that if you work hard, you play hard to keep balance. As a hobby, I collect neck ties and baseball cards. I received my first guitar when I was 9 years old and continue to play.
Question: Apart from creating art what do you do?
Bob: I graduated from college in aeronautical engineering and worked 2 years for Boeing. I discovered that I did not want to be trapped behind a desk my entire life and totally changed fields, ending up in the insurance business for the past 25 years. I am considered a turnaround expert because I help insurance companies expand their business when they can't. I have just recently completed a major expansion of a Tampa based insurance company and I am now looking to secure my next assignment. I have helped over 25 insurance companies in the past 20 years and generated over $4 billion in business.
Question: What first made you want to become an artist?
Bob: I have a very creative mind and wanted to express that in art. I began drawing when I was young and found out that I was pretty good at it. One thing led to another and I started to explore painting and photography. Painting is a great way to relieve stress.
Question: Describe your creative process.
Bob: I wish I had one, but I don't. Like anything, if I get inspried, I paint, however, my items have more of a 3D look. I use a lot of paint when I make a creation.
Question: Top 5 books, movies, songs, groups, websites
Bob: Book - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci; Movie - Brubaker; Song - any James Taylor or Keb Mo song; Groups - The Beatles (I actually went to their concert); Broadway Play - Phanton of the Opera
Question: In ten years I'd like to be...
Bob: Enjoying time at our house in Key West with my own art gallery on Duval Stret and having a beverage at my favorite watering hole with my wife.
Bob, thanks for sharing and letting us get to know you a little better. Stay tuned for upcoming Artist interviews.
