Michael's Background
I currently live in Chattanooga with my wife and two young sons, and teach human biology at Chattanooga State Community College. I started woodturning in late 2021. When the AAW National Symposium came to my home town of Chattanooga in 2022, I visited the Instant Gallery and was blown away by what was being done in the contemporary woodturning scene. Soon after, I joined the AAW and got involved in the woodturning community. I now serve as an administrator for both the AAW forum and the World of Woodturners forum. I’ve also demonstrated across the country at various clubs and symposia.
Beyond the service context, I find a lot of satisfaction in making things and have been fortunate enough to have some successes. I’ve been included in numerous galleries and juried exhibitions, and have been fortunate enough to connect with many woodturners and artists across the world. The maker community is full of wonderful and generous people, and my life is made better by association.
Artist Statement
What begin as a means to spend more time at home with my family blossomed into a creative journey like nothing else I had previously experienced. I relish the challenge of transforming an idea into an object I can see, smell, and feel. I’ve found that wood is the ideal medium for my work--it is a sustainable and renewable resource, and its former life history compels me to approach it with respect. It is enjoyable to work with yet challenging at the same time. As a material, wood is incredibly diverse: A vast array of colors, grain patterns, textures, scents, densities, and more. Sometimes I highlight these natural characteristics, but other times the wood is simply a canvas for expression. My favorite pieces tell a story, and I often draw heavily upon personal experiences and emotions to write that story. Whatever the end goal, thoughtful design and form are paramount.
https://www.instagram.com/ulmus.woodturning/