If someone asked me to define the term wood artist, I'd have to say that it is someone who has the vision to be able to transform a thought or idea into a work of art using wood as his or her medium.

Wood's inherent beauty never ceases to amaze me. While some people see a tree as a good source of shade or firewood, I see a writing instrument, a bowl, a vase or a myriad of other items I may choose to craft.

Whether it's the grain pattern, the hues, or even the texture, each piece of wood is a wonder unto itself. With good design and imagination it can be transformed into a truly unique creation that continues to live long after that tree has been felled.

I have yet to find the "perfect" piece of wood. Nature does not remain static and is constantly changing and evolving. That's why no two trees are ever alike. Even two boards cut from the same tree can look remarkably different when placed side-by-side. Sometimes you uncover a so-called “defect” in the wood and, after much consternation, eventually realize that it actually enhances the beauty of the piece—thus making it even more unique.

I am passionate about three areas of wood artistry: turning, scroll sawing and carving. Each has its own set of challenges and its own rewards. Many of my contemporaries suggest I find one area of specialization and stick with it. Well, I find that too limiting and try to incorporate all three into a piece if possible.  Right now I am focusing on the turning as evidenced in the line of writing instruments pictured in this website.

Incidentally, I am the type of artist who starts out with an idea and winds up with something quite different. It's not because of mistakes (although I have been known to make a few) but the wood having a different idea of what it wants to become. Sometimes it's a particularly beautiful grain pattern that I want to accentuate or a knothole I want to avoid/include in the piece to enhance its visual appeal.

My contemporaries tell me it's "the wood speaking to me." Well, that sounds a little bit mystical but I think I understand what they're trying to convey. Perhaps it would be best to say that when the wood starts to talk to me--I listen as something beautiful and wonderful is about to happen.

I welcome the chance to share that vision with you through my work.

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