I enjoy wood objects worked by artisans that result in smooth finishes while highlighting the wood’s grain, color and natural imperfections. I enjoy designs that are simple, yet have an element of surprise, mystery or are outside of the expected norm.
Every piece of wood tells a story of its life. The grain’s color and natural patterns identify the tree as much as the bark and leaf shape. Stresses are revealed in changing grain patterns, boring insects, worm trails and spalting from disease or decay.
My designs are sparked by an idea that seems to bubble up from my subconscious or are the result of a comment heard or an observed shape. They rarely are the result of a conscious effort to create a design.
My goal is to marry the wood and the design to produce an object that showcases both the design and the inherent qualities of the wood. The objects may or may not have utility.
I work with domestic and exotic woods. In most instances, pieces turned on a lathe are made from logs given to me by local residents. No endangered exotic woods are used. A collection of chisels, gouges, rasps, sanders, and floor-based equipment are used to make my objects. I leave all imperfections in the wood as they are found. They are part of the wood’s natural beauty. On occasion epoxy may be used to keep a piece of wood from “exploding” on the lathe or as part of the original design.