My dream started when I was 9 years old and I decided to enter
the Soap Box Derby in my home town. The derby required that the
contestants build and race the car themselves. I continued building
“things” while taking some formal woodworking classes
in high school and college. I learned sound and proven joinery
and construction techniques during this time. In 1995, at Penland
School of the Crafts, I studied furniture design. At this point,
woodworking was still a hobby. In 1996, I moved to Connecticut
with my family. I began to explore the rich history of New England
fine furniture and skilled craftsmen. In 2002, I finally realized my dream of becoming a full time woodworker.
While I have grown in my skill and craftsmanship, I have also
grown in my appreciation for the medium in which I work. Wood
is so amazing in its variety, color, infinite grain patterns,
smell, feel, etc. I specifically look for pieces with natural
but unusual grain patterns; small tight knots; and other imperfections.
I want the look of the wood to appear to invite you to touch it.
So much is possible in molding and shaping wood. It can be carved,
sawn, routed, turned, chiseled, laminated, bent and so much more.
Part of my enjoyment in working with wood is the challenge of
building what I have just designed. Finally, if I have done my best, the wood and the project itself will be appreciated from one generation to the next.
