I really enjoy working with wood. What makes working with wood even more enjoyable is tailor-making a wood piece for a special person or designing an item to fit a particular environment. In making something for you, I want my work to be a beautiful, comfortable, and useful, crafted with integrity to last generations. Creations that combine these characteristics will be used more, be more satisfying to use and more pleasing be seen.
To achieve this, my mission is to listen to and discover what your desires are in considering a handmade piece of furniture, a fireplace mantel, a wood sculpture, or other custom made piece. When a commissioned piece begins, I weave in design elements of your own personal tastes, style, and unique interest you have, into a one of a kind piece. As the design is beginning we will select one or more types of wood with appropriate grain color and patterns to enhance the final form. We can add a pictorial theme and depth to your piece, by drawing upon my skills in marquetry and carving.
After the design phase I will proceed into a thoughtful and careful creative process in the studio. By combining your interests and my skills, I can create an artistic creation that you will enjoy and be able to pass on to coming generations.
Just as an artist paints a picture with different pigments and with different brush strokes, so I, as a wood artist, use the color and texture of the wood and the strokes of various techniques to make an artistic piece.
To accomplish this, I must see and understand the beauty and nature of wood. In laying out the wood for the piece. I always strive to make the figure of the grain flow so there is as much continuity as possible. I use the color of the wood or contrasting colors to highlight the design. Because wood contains such a depth and texture, I enjoy figuring out how to compliment and display these characteristic so others can appreciate its beauty. In the sculpting process, I remove all the unnecessary wood to reveal the images and shapes that are desired. In constructing each unique piece, I strive for integrity of skill in my work that will last for generation to come. The process of making a custom piece is enjoyable and creative.
It is my aim to listen to what the client wants so that I can make a beautiful piece that will meet your needs and your aesthetic values. The initial price for a custom, “one of a kind” piece is more, but when considering the number of years it will last, this investment is reasonable.
I was born on the family farm in southeast Iowa. When I was very young, my family moved to the plains of western Kansas. There I began making wooden toys with my older brother. We would spend countless hours at the workbench making our little creations. When I embarked on the 4-H woodworking project, I started with the tool box and boot pull for the fair. My 4-H woodworking continued after a move to Indiana.
During this time Doug showed me how to take a picture of a piece of furniture and make a scaled drawing; he taught me some finer points in furniture construction. My 10th year in 4-H culminated in making an armoire. Other local Indiana craftsmen continued to foster my development. From Curt and Cris I learned the art of marquetry; Wayne introduced me to cabinet making. After graduating from high school, I worked for a custom home builder. Working for Marlin, I learned the construction process for a house. I also began taking on more custom furniture and cabinet making jobs on my own. I highly value the time that I spent in this field as it has enabled me to see firsthand the structure that holds up and surrounds the furniture or custom architectural mill work that I so enjoy making. It has provided the foundation for the detailed artistry that I am currently working in.
In 2003 I joined the CCA gallery in Zionsville where I began selling some of my work. In 2004 an unexpected opportunity to work with a historic carpenter opened up for me in Boston MA where I then moved. For the next five years of working with Jacques, I had a wonderful opportunity to use the skills that were passed on to me while at the same time learning so many new things. At the beginning of my time in New England, I also met Dimitrios Klitsas, a master woodcarver and master teacher. For five years, I studied under his tutelage and developed skills and a love for wood carving and sculpture. In 2009 I moved back to rural Indiana to be closer to family and to open my wood studio, where I am completing commissions and my work is being displayed in shows and galleries.