In My Pocket (manuscript excerpt)

Clip clop past the stalls
out into the moonlit night
up the road to the covered arena
the green street lamp
eerily illuminates 
the oak branches
as I look over my shoulder
for Icabod
who never comes

Riders working their steeds
in the arena
helmeted heads bob and glide
we ride under the lights
silently concentrating on the drills

Taps, presses, squeezes, light touches
nostrils puff and clear and heads drop low
as the equine muscles warm and stretch

Saddle leather creaks at the trot
small puffs of the dragged arena
give way under hoof
circles, diagonals, quarter lines
are drawn in dots


(Excerpt is 4 of 8 stanzas. Interested publishers, please inquire for the full manuscript).

Ray at Night: August 2009 - Solo Exhibition

Save the date for the Artist's Reception on Saturday, August 8th. I'll be showing my work in OBR Architecture's fabulous gallery.

My collection will include heart-warming equestrian images from an evening photo essay at Malibu Riding and Tennis Club.


Ray at Night is San Diego's largest art walk attracting over 1,500 visitors. This is a thrilling opportunity for my first solo exhibition.

The barn at night is one of my most favorite places on earth. It is a scene of quiet and calm. The animals are ready to rest, warm and safe in their stalls. If you appreciate animals, you'll understand what I mean when it's a special time to be in their space as they get ready to lie down and go to sleep.

I studied dressage under Cheryl Wyllie in 2002, riding their fine Arabian horses. During that time, I befriended her father, Jim Wyllie. I spent time photographing the horses that I had grown to care about and generally following Jim around as he did his nightly chores. There is something comforting and soothing about observing a man care for his resting animals. Jim is a sort of tough gentleman from another generation. His thick weathered hands are a story in themselves.


Jim has a legendary history with horses that spans over 50 years. He is approaching his retirement at 90 years old and I plan to donate a portion of my proceeds from this show to benefit Jim's foundation, the Equestrian Education Foundation.

I hope you will join me for the Artist's Reception in San Diego and come out to support a wonderful cause. Hope to see you!