From a psychological standpoint, knives evoke strong emotions. When I first contemplated the form of the knife, I found that my thoughts and feelings where in dramatic contrast to others. I know that from my own personal experiences (see Biography), my relationship with knives is harmonious. For most people, however it seems that knives symbolically represent war and violence, which often brings forth fearful emotions. This reaction makes the knife such an interesting platform of art to explore. One of the objectives of art is to challenge people's views. The art knife conceptually does just that. In and of itself, it represents the ideology of dualism. The art knife holds beauty and violence at the same time: two opposing concepts are being represented in one object. I am intrigued by the implications of being attracted yet repelled by the same object. With every knife I make, I consciously work to infuse a balance between violence and aggression with beauty and harmony. I do this with the hopes of changing the knife's overall perception. Through this process I can also exercise and express some of my spiritual beliefs.

Many people have used the knife to symbolically represent different ideas. In mythology the knife is often portrayed as holding magical qualities. A good example is the sword "Excalibur" from the Knights of the Round Table legend. The Bible also portrays the sword in a mystical light. Archangels are described as carrying swords that they use to cut through the veils of illusion.

I personally feel that the spiritual goal of humanity is to find balance within all aspects of life. For me this constitutes enlightenment. One-way to achieve this balance is to take opposing ideas and bring them into a place of union. The knife is a form in which I can physically express this philosophy, and explore the polarity of ideas that it represents. My hope is that my work will help people open the door into unfamiliar territory where different aspects of life can be revealed and represented through an inanimate object.

On a much less esoteric level, I would ultimately like to see the knife accepted as a viable medium for artistic expression. Currently knives are displayed in museums and private collections. However the appreciation of the knife does not exist on a mainstream level. A knife is commonly thought of as only kitchen cutlery or a weapon. I strive to push the envelope of what a knife can be.