Artist Statement: I first became interested in woodturning in 1968. 1 enjoy creating objects with a purpose; each piece of work is a one-of-a-kind to satisfy the physical needs of the user.
My work is ever-changing, and I strive to create something extraordinary. There is joy and satisfaction in seeing a new form evolve. The natural grain and figure patterns of the wood always produce a striking new design. To take a raw material, change it shape, and create beauty of form brings purpose to my life.
Born 1949 in San Francisco, I live in Pacifica CA., and maintains a studio/workshop at my home. I am self taught and started turning wood in 1968. Woodworking became serious in 1978 with the exposure to exotic wood. I have shown my work at various fairs and galleries.
My current turnings are done on a antique Ornamental Lathe made in 1868 by the Holtzapffel Family. The ornamentation to the turnings is done manually by indexing the work and carving it with a small revolving cutter. These cutters are held in cutting frames vertical, horizontal, and circular to the work piece.
The woods used must be very hard and tight grained. These woods are Cocobolo, Blackwood, Crocus, Kingwood, Ebony, etc. In 1868 they used Ivory as the turning medium.