Part of the growth and technical expertise of an artist is often found in areas that are outside the field of contemporary fine art. Part of my tutelage as an artist came from different fields. Interest in technology led me to employment in the software industry. I worked at Softron Media Services as Project Manager in software and product development and testing. From 2010-2015 working in both Brussels, Belgium and Softron’s offices in Las Vegas, Nevada I was able to learn from the software design industry. I was also able to gain experience in the film and broadcast production industry. Softron creates software used by major broadcasting networks and film industries. My work with Softron included participation in world expos like the International Broadcasting Conference in Amsterdam, the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas, CineExpo in Mexico City and the Mac World Conference in San Francisco. I was able to visit many broadcasting sites and give presentations and tutorials to software clients around the world. This was a very informative period of time for me. It served me well to learn about broadcasting for later use in my own projects.
Because of the varied types of skills and knowledge I acquired over time I decided in 2011 to start my own business under the name Visual Art Sound Art. The scope of the work ranged from working with government agencies with design projects like The Winchester Rehabilitation Program for the Clark County Government, to creating websites for individuals and businesses, to repairing artwork at some of the Las Vegas Strips most prominent properties. I was also frequently hired as an independent contractor to install and handle major works of contemporary arts for private owners and businesses in Las Vegas. This experience was quite valuable as the ability to help construct and design installations for well known artists and view the private collections of major art collectors is the type of insider knowledge that is hard to attain.
Not so distant from the field of contemporary art but yet quite influential in my practice was working at the San Francisco Art Institute from 1999 to 2006, as studio manager and later Graduate Manager. I collaborated frequently and work closely with faculty, students and staff. While working at one of the finest art institutions in the nation and was influenced by its ideals, its history and its vibrant community. My work at the San Francisco Art Institute was critical to my experience as a visual artist and I attribute my persistent efforts in the field of contemporary arts to all the wonderful people I was able to meet and work with.
While at SFAI I managed over twenty student employees and staff members to coordinate all logistics and operations of the 57,000 square foot facilities. Designed and implemented instructional and logistical procedures such as: check out policies, studio assignment, space allocation, training, health/ safety and communications. I Designed and created facilities infrastructure for over 200 graduate students using the available budget and meeting the institutes fiscal requirements. I was also responsible for purchasing, design and construction of the first ever Graduate Center which included a new computer lab, large scale fabrication shop, film editing suites, photo dark room and large format printing center. I conducted periodical use and utilization studies for campus wide research. I implemented Computer Lab peer-to-peer tutorial and training sessions for multimedia and design applications. I also designed, built and maintained a Mac lab network with 13 stations, peripherals, print and networking operations. I planned a large scale move and completed logistics for a transition from two facilities into the Third Street Graduate Center. I also supported Academic Affairs efforts in Accreditation reviews for The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and The National Association of Schools of Art and Design.