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I have no formal training in woodworking or design, but I do not consider myself to be self-taught. My father was an accomplished woodworker, artist, and furniture restorer. He began my woodworking training as a teen by putting me to work in his furniture restoration and reproduction work. Due to his business, my parents’ home had many pieces of period furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. During those few years, I received an education in design and construction methods of furnishings from that era. Afterwards, and for the next twenty years, I read about cabinetmaking and architectural woodworking, and observed work in museums and galleries.

Additionally, I periodically made furniture for family, friends, and our own home. Then, in my early 40s, I entered a period of full-time woodworking that lasted for ten years. Primarily, I created commissioned furniture, but also occasionally designed smaller home decor items. After transitioning to a different calling for a while, I eventually reached a point where, two years ago, I restarted woodworking full-time, focused on vases, boxes, and bowls.

With over fifty years of experience working with wood, both as a hobby and a profession, my work reflects the technical expertise and skills I have gained through these experiences. My family heritage in the decorative arts, along with a strong sense of connection to the hills, valleys, forests, and fields of Eastern Pennsylvania, informs the aesthetics of my work. And from time to time, I integrate elements of other artisans’ work into my own, believing that this is part of being a sub-creator—as J.R.R. Tolkien called it. This philosophy inspires me to innovate and create unique pieces.

A deep respect for the inherent beauty and unique characteristics of each piece of wood guides my approach to woodworking. From the initial choice of wood to every step of the crafting process, I aim to highlight the grain patterns, texture, and tones of the wood. This approach enables me to bring my creative vision to life for an object that is not only visually pleasing but also tactile in nature. In line with my Pennsylvania German heritage, I occasionally use paint as a design element in my work, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the final piece.