Biographical Information:
I began woodworking at the age of five when I built my first model airplane out of balsa wood. Over the next few years, I built model boats, cars, rocket ships as and airplanes. When I was 20, I graduated to the real thing and tackled an old wooden motorboat. In 1971, in anticipation of my first child, I built a cradle using some plans and a radial arm saw. One job led to another. Within two years, I had a partner, a 3000sf shop, more tools and a thriving business. In the intervening years, I designed and built fixtures for stores and offices, worked with architects and interior designers, designed custom pieces for customers, mastered woodcarving, repaired and restored antiques and contemporary furniture, and worked on boats. I still accept interesting repair projects and commissions. I enjoy solving problems and being of service to the public.
Since 2005, I focused on designing and building unique furniture of my own design. In the interim, I have received two first prize awards, one fourth prize and one Honorable Mention in Woodworking from the California State Fair, one first prize award, one third prize award and one Honorable Mention from the Orange County Fair, one second prize award from Marin County and an Honorable Mention, as well commissions.
Artist Statement:
Instead of trying to force wood into a design concept, I let the wood show me how to enhance it. I use wood harvested from certified managed foresThe epoxy is the only adhesive, which allows me to make simple, strong joinery. Penetrating epoxy sealer, derived from wood resins, seals the wood from moisture. As tedious as it is to apply, I favor an oil finish for its softness to the touch. It holds up over the years. Both the epoxy and the oil finish are inert after they dry leaving no toxic residues. As a visual artist, poet and musician, as well as woodworker, these disciplines weave themselves into my work. My legs are actually legs. They appear to move, as though on the verge of falling over. From different angles, they seem to curl around each other; they go in contrary directions; they are a source of continual discovery and whimsy.
