Woodturning with heart
I am a self taught wood turner, though my love of wood working started very young. My dad instilled a love of woodworking in me, teaching me everything from how to select good pieces of wood to building cabinets to the most important lesson of all- how to measure twice and cut once. But working with just flat surfaces and box-formations eventually wasn’t challenge enough. Turning on the lathe is my true love.
I love the feel of the warm woodchips bouncing off my hands and the speed at which a piece of wood can be turned into any shape I want. There is nothing better than seeing the beauty of a piece of wood from the inside out-from the finished beauty of a vessel’s surface to the mysterious patterns and character within the log. Also being a machinist by trade has given me the opportunity to build a custom lathe from the ground up to my own specs, and when needed, to add elements of metal to my work to enhance the design.
Every vessel I turn is a true labor of love. Start to finish, pieces typically take 4-6 months to complete. From sourcing the log, to dry time, to rough turning through finishing, every step is meticulously completed.
My store, The Barking Tree, is inspired by my "fur" kids Smiley, Peanut, Oliver and Gus-the best greyhounds on the planet. While I love to turn vessels, bowls and functional items, many of my pieces are greyhound, pet or animal rescue related to give back to those who give me so much.
