Behind me is a stack of ash lumber salvaged from the EAB kill
My philosophy
Some of my earliest memories involve time spent as a young child, working with my father in the bush, surrounded by nature, and this fostered what has become a life-long relationship with wood.
It is this passion for the natural qualities of wood that informs my work. It is why the Shakers and James Krenov have been major influences in the development of my own style, as they both use clean yet subtle lines, and believe the inherent beauty of the wood is central to their work.
Even more fundamental is my need to express myself using both my mind and my hands. For me, my work is as much about the process itself, whether it be designing, or solving technical challenges to realize my vision, as it is about the finished piece.
As a woodworker, my intent is to convey to the viewer an awareness of the powerful synergies that develop between form and the inherently sensual nature of wood. I have a deep understanding of and respect for the properties of wood, and this informs my choice of technique: I allow for the seasonal movement of wood and use time-tested, traditional joinery. I build with the intent that a piece should last over generations, and, in so doing, confront the values of the disposable society in which we now live.
Each of my pieces is unique, where both aesthetic and functional considerations are integral to the design. A less tangible aspect of the process is the interpersonal interaction between artist and client. This constitutes a level of communication that is too often absent from anonymous commercial discourse. My clients are people who appreciate the process of realizing a refined aesthetic in furniture design that is supported by meticulous workmanship.
Some of my earliest memories involve time spent as a young child, working with my father in the bush, surrounded by nature, and this fostered what has become a life-long relationship with wood.
It is this passion for the natural qualities of wood that informs my work. It is why the Shakers and James Krenov have been major influences in the development of my own style, as they both use clean yet subtle lines, and believe the inherent beauty of the wood is central to their work.
Even more fundamental is my need to express myself using both my mind and my hands. For me, my work is as much about the process itself, whether it be designing, or solving technical challenges to realize my vision, as it is about the finished piece.
As a woodworker, my intent is to convey to the viewer an awareness of the powerful synergies that develop between form and the inherently sensual nature of wood. I have a deep understanding of and respect for the properties of wood, and this informs my choice of technique: I allow for the seasonal movement of wood and use time-tested, traditional joinery. I build with the intent that a piece should last over generations, and, in so doing, confront the values of the disposable society in which we now live.
Each of my pieces is unique, where both aesthetic and functional considerations are integral to the design. A less tangible aspect of the process is the interpersonal interaction between artist and client. This constitutes a level of communication that is too often absent from anonymous commercial discourse. My clients are people who appreciate the process of realizing a refined aesthetic in furniture design that is supported by meticulous workmanship.