C.J. Bradford

My work is primarily executed in pen and ink. Depending on the desired effect, I also occasionally use watercolor. As a young person, I was fascinated by the intricate work of Escher and the wild flights of mechanical fantasy by Rube Goldberg. While attending the University of Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to work with Jack Vallee. He greatly influenced my use of tension and movement. Later I received private instruction from Mrs. Hsiao Yen-Yeh. As an accomplished artist in traditional Oriental brushwork, she guided me in using positive and negative space as an integral part of pen and ink drawing. In addition, I owe a debt of gratitude to Greg Burns, who encouraged me to pursue my own artistic vision wherever it might take me.My works, whether serious or whimsical, are intended to provoke a dialogue with the viewer. I show them my thoughts, my sense of humor, my view of the world, and invite them to share the same with me.