For 22 years, I developed my craft in Olympia, WA under the guidance of the enigmatic sign painter and local legend, Vince Ryland. I painted my way through this main street capitol city numerous times. I started on one end and worked my way to the other with a brush only to turn around and repeat the process, updating sophomoric work as I leapfrogged facades. My approach was playful. I employed a naive gestalt practice and I learned as I went, creating an immersive environment. I grew from my technical mistakes while gaining experience points. As Vince would say, “Do it better next time. Let’s keep it moving” The result was a plethora of brightly colored buildings and letterings that competed for the public eye and brought a  joyful attitude to this old-western lumber & beer port of a village. I painted signs and buildings here with a hunger and drive to provide access to folk art to anyone who wanted it. The Olympia Heritage Commission and the City Council recognized my efforts with a Historic Preservation Award in 2014.