About "TooTall"
"TooTall" was my beautiful Saint Bernard
I had her for 9 wonderful years, and she truly was one of the most amazing dogs I could have ever asked for. I took her name as my artist name, and I sign the bottom of each piece with a TT.
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My mom got her for me during one of the hardest times in my life. I had gone through multiple surgeries and was stuck in bed recovering. Between the ages of 13 and 20, I underwent 13 surgeries because I grew so fast. Being 6'8", the doctors had to pin and plate my hips with metal as I grew.
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Through all of that, she became my comfort, my companion, and one of the brightest parts of those years. She brought so much joy, peace, and unconditional love into my life during a time when I needed it most.
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I will always be grateful for the years I had with her and the memories we shared. She was truly special.
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And she absolutely adored my grandfather, “Popo,” too.
Some Past Ceramic Work
First artist to use a Tattoo machine on ceramics to carve with
A Personal Journey Through Spinal Injury & Recovery
​​In July of 2024, my life changed dramatically after undergoing a major four-level lumbar fusion surgery that unfortunately failed, leaving me with a spinal cord disability and requiring the use of a wheelchair. Like many people facing spinal injuries, chronic pain, or difficult recoveries after surgery, I found myself having to completely reinvent my life physically, emotionally, and creatively.
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One of the hardest parts of spinal injury is that many people cannot fully see or understand the daily reality behind it — the exhaustion, muscle fatigue, nerve pain, recovery cycles, emotional strain, and the constant balancing act between activity and rest. I have had to learn how to adapt, pace myself, protect my energy, and rebuild my life one day at a time.
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Art has become an important part of that healing process for me.
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Through creating memorial artwork and sharing my journey openly, I hope to connect with others who are navigating spinal surgery, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, or major life changes. My goal is not only to create meaningful memorial art, but also to encourage others who may feel discouraged, isolated, or overwhelmed by their recovery process.
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I believe there is strength in adapting, strength in continuing to create, and strength in finding new ways to move forward even when life changes unexpectedly.
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If my story, artwork, or experiences can bring comfort, encouragement, or understanding to even one person walking a similar path, then sharing this journey is worth it.
