Gene was born in Texas, lived all over the country, and eventually settled in Tacoma, on the traditional lands of the Puyallup people, who they are proud and grateful to call neighbors. They studied metal sculpture through the direct mentorship of Hidden Dragon Art, metal sculpture and jewelry at Austin Community College, and art, environmental community planning, and anthropology at the University of New Mexico.

In his current practice he strives to build community to address the challenges of our times. He does this in his own work by engaging with rapidly-developing production tools such as 3d printers, laser cutter/engraving machines, and other computer-controlled (CNC) machines, while firmly grounded in traditional craft practices. As an instructor, he not only shares what he has learned in adopting these tools, but seeks to actively empower individuals to learn these tools for themselves regardless of age or background. They believe we have a remarkably unique opportunity in our time to revolutionize the material culture of our world and change our collective future for the better through the democratization of creation.