born in Elizabeth Hospital Nov. 10, 1947 to Helen & Leo John Stage first generation Italian then residing in neighboring suburban town Roselle Park, N.J. where, along with two year younger brother Richard, lived through high school and college.
I am of the “Baby Boomer” generation.

Post WWII, the Sixties changed the country / world in profound ways that we live with to this day. As the world changed, as did I. 

The following is a humble beginning to document my life and heritage through photos and art. Along the way, will make commentary and or observations. As a career fine artist / graphic artist & photographer each freeze frame of life stirs up memories.

Started as daunting project with many false starts, I quickly became overwhelmed with the magnitude of memories leaving me overwhelmed on what to keep or for that matter keep at all. Did it really matter? 

Being 76, having a heart attack requiring a stent within a year of this writing, did not help with the anxiety of one’s own mortality being reminded by every print, negative, drawing going back decades.

I worked in construction for twenty tears up to the age of 70. On one of the last jobs, I found myself on top of filled dumpster standing on the families entire history stretching back to the 30’s. It is an image that left a mark on me. Is this what happens to all the memories?

For me, there was only one of two decisions. One, to edit / pack with throwing most away or Two, to embrace it all knowing it will take time and patience.

I decided to embrace the project by making it as graphically appealing as possible while telling legacy story. Having a fine art education culminating with 34 year career as graphic artists for television, I found myself missing the creative process.

My main purpose and driving force is to provide my Grandchildren an insight of who I am, my legacy and record of their heritage. Along the way have fun with it.