ABOUT ME

Woodworking is my favorite expression of art. Originally, I started turning on a lathe because of a beautiful red-head. The more I made for her, the more she kissed me. When each of my three sons was five years old, we put on goggles, a face mask and gloves, then they inspired me to work on the same lathe. We all loved it, and occasionally still turn wood together even today. 

I'm an active member of the Kansas City Woodworkers Guild and the American Association of Woodworkers. I have been mentored by numerous Master Woodturners.  In turn, I have also worked with numerous others in the processes of woodturning and in specific techniques. We all share our knowledge and skills.

These experiences inspire me enormously. I believe the Angels are with me while I work. After 20+ years, I still have every part of all my fingers (knock-on-wood). 

My heart is in every piece, and I believe it shows.

First, I imagine it, just like everything in life. What the wood block can become drives everything. 

Second, hand-pick and bond together the exact right woods, making sure the grain patterns are all inline. 

Third, I secure it on the lathe and turn it, cutting away what isn't art. Many times I stop to add epoxy to the bark or burl knots. 

Fourth, inlaying turquoise requires extra patience and cussing, so I watch a movie or football game and take my time. 

Fifth, sanding off all the edges is boring and takes forever, but it's the real labor of every project. 

Sixth, I use a high friction polish made of shellac and bee's wax blend, burnishing it into the wood for a perfect finish. 

Finally, I remove the art work from its chuck, sand and complete the base, and sign it. Each one is a piece of my life, from the once live tree. 

You can't rush art.