Craft with a purpose

I have been woodworking, off and on, most of my life. It has always been a fun challenge and a creative outlet. Woodworkers tend to gravitate towards one another and this gravitational pull leads to two-way learning. All of this shared information from friends and acquaintances, along with a couple of key classes, has given me a set of skills that I regularly draw upon. My woodworking knowledge and technical ability is a sum of all of these interactions.

I am equally inspired by the masters of the craft and those contributing new designs. Perhaps more immediately I’m inspired by the individual pieces of wood that I come upon. Certain grain patterns, the shimmer from tensioned wood where branches extended, bark that still remains attached and connects the finished piece to the actual tree it came from. Some people have said woodworking is a process of revealing what the wood wants to be. This seems to be as good of a description as I’ve heard of how I undertake my furniture making.

During the pandemic, I took on several custom furniture projects. I found it very satisfying to make something that people appreciated. Based upon this positive feedback, I am expanding my efforts while ensuring that each piece reflects the unique character of the wood. There are no duplicates or multiple editions.