I have
been working with my hands as far back as I can remember. I have always been
curious about the way things are made. Early on, I took things apart to see
if I could put them back together and found I was mildly successful.
My creative background encompasses
everything from high school woodshop and ceramics classes, where I was
always using conventional methods to make not so conventional pieces, to
constructing and painting custom cars and helicopters.
After
building some bookcases, with nothing more than a circular saw a router and
a book, I decided to focus my energy on woodworking. While acquiring the
necessary shop tools, I started (and for the most part) completed various
“flat work” projects for my own home.
Sometime around 2005 I saw a used lathe advertised and I convinced myself
that I could learn to turn wood. I have always felt that with a book or a
video and by asking a few questions, I can do anything. I started with a set
of basic tools, my Grizzly lathe and a large wooden dowel that I bought at
Home Depot. Amazingly, I didn’t hurt myself and managed to turn the dowel
into a dowel with some cuts and grooves. I then decided I could turn a pen
and then a bowl.
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to
do it.”
Picasso
After
we attended our first “Turning Southern Style” symposium, held each fall in
Georgia, my wife decided that I needed to upgrade my lathe.
Who was I to argue? My current lathe
is a Powermatic 3520 (the Mustard Mistress as she is fondly referred to).
Having a good lathe has allowed me to explore turning larger pieces as well
as to improve the quality of what I turn.
Woodturning is a vortex that pulls you in farther and farther. I was halfway
finished with a new bed for our bedroom when I got my lathe. The pieces are
still sitting in the shop. Each time I turn something new, I excitedly show
my wife and she says “that looks nice, when is my bed going to be finished”?
Soon………………………..
My eye
for texture, color and “line” is based on my own experiences and by studying
the work of others.
I have
been fortunate to receive instruction from David Marks, Sam Maloof, Mark
Silay and many more fine wood turners, woodworkers and craft persons.
I have
always embraced a “why not” attitude when it comes to the things I create. I
like to use figured wood, exposing the amazing grain. I am intrigued by
unusual forms and use of color and will continue to experiment as well as
produce more conventional items.
I will
add new items to the gallery as they are completed. I am not a production
turner, each item, even if similar is different from every other in some
way. If you are interested in any of the items you see or would like
something made, please e-mail me or use the provided contact sheet.
My
wife has encouraged me to sell some of my work. She says “beauty should be
shared”. I think she wants some of her counter and shelf space back.
