Artist’s Statement
Turning is both a passion and a challenge. From the moment I started turning wood on a lathe and watched shavings peel off onto the shop floor, I was hooked. Using books, watching videos and attending demonstrations by seasoned turners, I soon became an accomplished wood turner.

I am always searching for wood that has unusual color and grain. I like to highlight characteristics in the wood that others might consider flaws. One-of-a-kind pieces are made to the highest quality possible. A Danish oil finish is used to bring out the beauty of the wood without sacrificing the natural texture. The piece is then polished with a triple-wax system to create subtle shine and add depth to the grain pattern.

 

Being a former bonsai enthusiast, I was intrigued with the idea of including the shape of bonsai branches into my work. Hence my latest creations are boxes with branch handles made of brass. Using different sizes of brass rod, I turn, taper and bend the rods to replicate bonsai trunks. Branches are created by soldering smaller gauge brass wire to the larger rod. To achieve a more natural color, the rods and branches are coated with chemical patinas.

I currently reside in the small town of Lanexa, Virginia, located 15 miles west of Williamsburg.

www.turnedontowood.com