I have been turning stuff since 2005 when I discovered I could use the lathe setup on my Dad’s old Shopsmith. Unfortunately, I burned it out when I found I liked turning bigger wood than was recommended for the old machine. In 2011, I was provided a means to move to a vastly improved lathe and which I still use today.  It was a blessing to only need to buy one machine, and I chose the largest lathe I could get at the time.

I like to create bowls and lidded boxes as the main body of my current work. My goal is to make Beautiful, functional pieces with a clear sense of attention to an esthetic of clean lines and smooth contours. Wood should be painstakingly processed to reveal the best of the grain in each piece. Each piece I work with is unique and holds its own flaws, variations in pattern and other challenges.

Beyond the natural beauty of the wood itself, I am learning to enhance my work with embellishments including beading and piercing techniques. It seems that the world of woodturning is an infinite continuum of things to learn. 

To enhance learning, I have found that being a member of AAW (American Association of Woodturners; www.woodturner.org) provides a wonderful array of information, forums and annual symposiums that are attended by internationally known turners of all kinds.

In addition, I belong to a local chapter called Willamette Valley Woodturners (a 501 C3 charitable organization) in Salem Oregon. We hold monthly meetings and share information, assist in resourcing wood, and provide mentoring to members.