At 17 years of age Hugh is by far the youngest member of the San Sebastian River Artists . It is easy to recognize however that this young artist brings an artistic perspective and craftsmanship to his steel sculpture that belies hi young age. Hugh was first introduced to working with steel materials during a summer long apprenticeship with well known Taos, New Mexico steel sculptor Jim Martin at age 14.

According to Martin, Hugh displayed a natural talent for crafting steel. "I have never seen anyone so adept with a cutting torch and welding rig". That summer Hugh produced several sculptures including the first of his signature work with fish forms. His dad adds, "Hugh created a beautiful school of trout which dance and twirl above the sagebrush around our New Mexico home when the wind blows. Their shimmering presence amid arid high desert xeriscape transforms a sea of sagebrush into an aquatic dream".

Hugh is continuing to develop his work with fish forms and is currently experimenting with glass elements embedded into his steel creations. "As a young man, I am deeply concerned with the path our world is on. The environment, and issues like global warming are constantly on my mind. I love the outdoors, especially fishing and much of that time is spent on the water catching beautiful redfish, drum, trout, flounder and other local fish species with my dad. I am concerned that one day soon these wonderful experiences could be lost if the planet doesn't get it together. Each fish I make is a silent reminder of how fragile our world truly is. I hope in a small way I can make a difference by reminding others of this fact.