Who are you?

After a career in the environmental field, I continued my interest in nature by recreating wildlife in wood. I am self-taught and have no formal artistic training. My creations are each unique, individually handcarved and require many hours of work to be completed. I serve on the board of the Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc., in Martinsburg, WV. There I provide administration for the all-volunteer organization and instruct woodcarving classes. I am one of 20 artisans selected to participate in the annual Over the Mountain Studio Tour in Jefferson County, WV.

How did you start carving?

Always having an interest in crafts, I felt that woodcarving would be an interesting craft. So, one day I picked up a knife and a block of wood. When I was finished, you could at least tell it was penguin, so I started another piece, and another...

How long have you been carving?

My first piece was done in 1990. Working intermittently, while maintaining a career until 2006, I completed projects as I had time. I joined a couple of carving clubs in Pennsylvania, and was able to be mentored through occasional classes by woodcarving artists. Since retiring from my full time job, I've been able to work in my studio on a regular basis.

What types of things do you carve?

Well, I've tried about everything, from chip carving, to human figures, to fish, birds, etc. My favorite things to carve are mammals and Santas.

What woods do you use?

As with most woodcarvers, I often use basswood. But I've found that white pine, willow, and butternut are also quite nice to work with.

What tools do you use?

I prefer handtools-knifes and gouges, but will also use high-speed rotary tools when needed.

How long does a carving take?

Most of the time I start a piece, put it down for a while, then pick it up again several weeks later. It's hard to tell an exact time that way, but I find that the piece comes out much better that way. In general, I have to say a piece takes 40-50 hours of actual work.

I'd like more information: how do I contact you?

Go to the Contact page, here.

I'd like to buy or commission a carving. How do I do that?

Check out my Sales page, here.