There is something mystical about making an object on a lathe. Transforming some part of a fallen tree into a beautiful form involves both body and mind. Tool held against my hip, moving rhythmically., There is no separation between thought and sensation as I slowly, carefully, reveal the object that was hidden within the log.
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Each piece, in a way, is a discovery.
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This creative dance requires an intense concentration that takes me into a meditative state. It is a process in which I lose all track of time as I concentrate on making finer and finer adjustments to obtain the perfect form.
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My work is primarily functional - objects that can be used and enjoyed. There is no reason why a functional object cannot be beautiful and I have tried to reflect that concern for line and form in my objects. The pieces that are carved and painted, incorporating complex geometric patterns, are purely decorative. Executing these pieces imposes another layer of complexity to the design, and many hours of detailed effort.
I came to woodturning while still deeply involved in a high tech career. It gave me an opportunity to engage my hands as much as my mind. My interest and abilities deepened after studying with world-renowned artists. Those relationships created new opportunities. I have done large collaborative projects in Nepal and Cambodia, working with artists from Jordan, Iceland, New Zealand, Argentina, France, Canada, and more. These collaboration led to a course I have taught at Harvard called “Creating Things That Matter,” and a recognition that the collaborative creative process in the arts is equally applicable in other areas as well..