As long as I can remember I've enjoyed working with my hands. As a teenager I worked in clay and mixed media. Woodworking was my father's hobby and when I was sixteen I was enrolled in a Saturday woodworking class with him at the Ohio College of Applied Science. The class focused on the use of hand tools rather than machines in the building process. I found the use of chisels and planes (when they were sharp) calm and enjoyable. I remained in the class; slowly building Shaker inspired furniture until I gradated from college. I started turning on my father's lathe one day when I wanted a short 3-legged stool for my room. I was hooked.

In 1996 I received a scholarship to attend a class at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts with John Jordan. By this time I had been turning with modest success throughout my years in college. The class changed my life. I hadn't had that much concentrated time at the lathe and in a couple of weeks I felt my abilities had greatly improved. Ever since this class turning is what I've wanted to do. I've been back to Arrowmont many times to assist John's classes as well as teach my own.

I turn primarily green wood due to its availability as well as its ease of use compared to dry wood. Lately my work only begins on the lathe. Now much of the time that goes into a piece is spent carving intricate surface patterns. Many things, besides the material, influence my work, including the simple lines of Shaker furniture as well as the carved and painted surfaces of African shields and the beautifully detailed ceremonial war clubs of the Oceanic cultures.