Artist Highlight

With a deeper understanding and appreciation for the things that are often taken for granted, wood is a medium that allows me to be creative. I never cut living trees to create my pieces, instead I use reclaimed pieces of wood from fallen trees or pieces of wood that friends have given me... by this I mean the wood of all species and origin. I use reclaimed fallen champion trees , family heirloom trees or simply a piece of firewood from the bottom of the stack. To me, it's not about taking from nature but giving back and utilizing what nature gives me . I take a piece of wood and study the subtle color and variations of the grain, texture of the bark and perhaps the holes nature has already instilled in the wood. I listen to it and let it tell me what lies beneath the bark. I consider it a sort of rebirth of a particular piece of wood. There is something magical and always challenging about working with the Lathe and carving tools... I call it Making Sawdust !!!   There is nothing repetitive when working with wood. Each piece is a different challenge and no two pieces are the same. Creating bowls, vases and sculpture is a relaxing process. I find great pleasure in transforming the natural beauty that already exists just hidden beneath the bark.  My passion is to share the creative process with everyone.  
   

I was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, probably under a cactus tree!  I grew up in an Air Force Family enviroment , living all over the country. My family moved to Wetumpka Alabama in 1975 where I attended Wetumpka High School and studied art with artist and educator Bobby Carr. After graduating, I continued to study art with Walter Keith of Montgommery Al. Although I studied painting with Carr and Keith, I am a self taught sculptor woodworker.  I have learned this craft by trial and error.  I laid the paint brush down for over 25 years . In 2009 I began to try to paint again - hard to teach an old dog new tricks! My wife, Cindy and I have been married since 1977. Together we share the love of outdoors and the beauty nature has to offer. Our home is on beautiful Lake Martin, Alabama . My studio is right at the waters edge, opening up to all the inspiring sights and sounds of nature's wonders.  I started a shutter business in 1986 called Custom Shutter and Millwork.  It was during this time that I truly became consumed with the love of woodworking .