A lifelong passion for working with wood, fire, ink, and imagination.
I got my start in woodworking at age twelve, originally as a woodcarver. My early techniques were predominantly relief and chip carving. Occasionally, I carved wooden spoons, from simple to very ornate.
In my later teens, I got a job at a woodworking store and was able to gain more knowledge, more hands-on skills, and, of course, more tools. It was around age 16 that I added pyrography and small furniture to my skill set.
After a career in EMS, I decided to get more engaged in my artwork and make it as close to full-time as possible, apart from our very busy farm.
Now I do a fair amount of linocut prints, which I find very enjoyable, and have delved into woodturning projects. I still plan on keeping up my proficiency in carving and pyrography and will attempt to balance my projects based both on demand and the joy they bring during the creative process.
Every piece begins with an idea and develops through a hands-on process. Whether carving wood, burning designs into its surface, turning a form on the lathe, or creating a linocut print, the process is as much a part of the finished work as the final design.
The goal is simple: create work that is unique, thoughtfully made, and enjoyable to create and own.