In the U. S. many slaves were safely carried to freedom. This monumental undertaking has virtually gone unnoticed.  Over the past seven years this has been the subject of my work.   My current focus is on the routes of  a specific conductor - Harriet Tubman.

The viewer will find no noted heroes of the traditional kind. Those who play the role of hero and heroine in these works are the men and women who risked their lives and the lives of their families to preserve the UGRR.  Each painting helps to memorialize a dangerous occupation that played a crucial role in the advancement of American society. In an ever changing and developing era these artworks are the chronicles of an almost silent part of history.

I began my research in 2003 and in May of 2004 I followed the routes on which Tubman took passengers to freedom.  Forever etched in my memory are an infinite number of untold stories of individuals who toiled tirelessly to attain freedom.  Many events were recounted to me by noted historians, genealogists and descendants while I traveled through, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and Canada; retracing the steps of many who went before me on this route to freedom.  The wealth of personal experiences and detailed information I obtained is the foundation of this series or artworks.

I strive to create dramatic compositions to portray the intensity of each moment. The life Tubman chose was one of uncertainty.  Every moment could have been her last.  She carried on undaunted and these are the ideas that I strive to portray in this series. Figures are tugging and heaving, hoisting and dragging.  Figures depict the mental, emotional, and physical prowess needed to succeed on the UGRR.  Every muscle is strained to the limit.  Vibrant color and light are used to lead your eye through the composition.

I want the viewer to share both the positive and negative experiences of Tubman, her family, masters and her passengers on the UGRR.  My aim? To give a candid portrayal of the enormous effort that went into changing the tides of history for the African-American.