I spent over 30 years as a metallurgical engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center before retiring in 2013.  As an engineer, my projects included the development of new materials to improve jet and rocket engines, solving problems to enable the Space Shuttle to return to flight, and improving the reliability of robotic deep space probes.

Although these subjects were and are fascinating, I was always attracted to the beauty and texture of wood, whether it was a well-crafted piece of furniture or a wooden pen given to me as a gift.  Eventually, I was not satisfied with simply looking at wood fashioned by others, but wanted to work with it myself.  I started teaching myself wood carving in 2008 and wood turning in 2011.   Both carving and turning provide the opportunity for three dimensional works that emphasize free flowing shapes which evolve as I read the wood.  This provides a welcome contrast to the precise measurements and computer-aided design that dominated my engineering work.   I feel that I am not simply “working” with wood but more like “collaborating” with it. 

Each piece of wood has a unique collection of features, including those that many people consider to be defects, such as knots, cracks, or voids.   I am always amazed at the variety of colors, patterns and fine details that are revealed after shaping and polishing the wood to a high luster.  Furthermore, the wood can move and warp in unpredictable ways, leading to an even more unique combination of man and nature.    

My preference is to work with “reclaimed wood” salvaged from trees that would otherwise be destroyed or burned as firewood.  The opportunity to rescue a neglected chunk of wood and expose its hidden beauty provides great satisfaction.    I strive to enhance the natural beauty of wood with classic shapes borrowed from sources ranging from ancient Greek to Native American pottery.   The forms are deceptively simple, yet the details in the wood make them fascinatingly complex.