What you receive depends on what you give. The workman gives the toil of his arm, his energy, his movement; for this the craft gives him a notion of the resistance of the material and its manner of reaction. The artisan gives the craft his love; and to him the craft responds by making him one with his work. But the craftsman gives the craft his passionate research into the laws of Nature which govern it; and the craft teaches him Wisdom.
René Adolphe Schwaller de Lubicz 1887-1961
I’ve always been drawn to working with my hands. In 1970 I started my dive into craftsmanship by studying blacksmithing – decorative ironwork. I first studied in New Mexico, and then in England and France. From there I became the blacksmith for the New York State Historical Association where I did restoration and reproduction ironwork as well as taught summer classes there.
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In 1980 I had to give up that craft due to health issues. But I still needed to “create” so I began to work with wood. I had been a subscriber to Fine Woodworking Magazine since its very first issue in 1975 and I was a member of the American Crafts Council . . . so I wasn’t exactly a stranger to wood.
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It took some getting used to – I couldn't forge or bend wood like I could iron. But gradually I figured it out with the help of some excellent teachers.
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My most popular items are the serving boards. I have fun designing them and making them as perfect as possible. People love the glass-smooth finish on them.
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My favorite thing to do, however, is work with people who want something special. It’s fun to go through the design process to come up with exactly what someone wants.
I have also been lucky enough to have clients who have given me total free reign and say, “Just make me a cabinet” or “Make a stand for this sculpture.” Naturally, I am immensely pleased when they see the piece for the first time and their eyes just light up.
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If you have an idea that can be created in wood, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to discuss your plan.
