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I have worked with the concentric ring lamination technique for almost twenty years. It has allowed me to explore areas where other woodturners cannot or will not go. It has lead me to recycling and minimizing waste while also discovering the intriguing stories of the wood's other lives. I have made pieces from dockwood, window frames, stair treads, railing spindles, sentimental woods, cottages, boats and timbers from old factories, piers and barns. My sense of history creates an aura of wonder as I work with such wood. I try to infuse the story into the design and presentation of the work.

Laminating and recycling took me to firewood and on to sticks. Sticks of many different trees are readily available. Sticks that have been on the ground for several years start to spalt and have interesting patterns. Woods such as lilac, juniper, grapevine and sumac are considered as bushes or scrub by others. To me they are local exotics. They produce fascinating colours and almost impossible designs. These “stick bowls” have become my signature pieces.

I have used my work to make social comment, to study the aspects of art and of craft and to express my cynicism. While not easy to sell, these pieces allow me to vent and then move on. For the most part, I try to give my turnings a sense of fun, history, poignancy or sentiment. I try to engage my customer and the viewing public by making them stop to look and then to further consider my work.

I have a deep respect for the forest as an entity and its individual trees. The forest provides for me and I only take what is offered. I try to show wood in new ways to spark curiosity and possibly even get people to think. Through the trees I am connected to the past. They are connected through me to the future.

The process is ongoing. I am always finding new pieces of wood that inspire me. Every now and then, someone will drop off a piece of wood. I acquire wood faster than I can turn it but I love being surrounded by it. As I go to the studio each day, I touch some of the pieces that are waiting their turn.

Thanks for taking the time to visit this site.