I've always been an artist. I started as a primitive painter and then dabbled in mosaics, clay, textile design, stained glass and finally wood. I'm self-taught: no fancy art degree or mentor.

I began my woodworking career making log containers for rustic wedding centerpieces, but soon grew bored and began making housewares and kitchen utensils.

I sell to the gift market because I love making gifts for people to give to someone special. I hope the person who receives one of my pieces loves it, and I hope that the person who gave my piece is happy because they gave a gift that the person loved.

I take discarded wood that no one cares about and is decaying and ugly and turn it into something that someone will use every day and love. I don’t make bowls that sit on shelves to be beautiful. I make functional items that I hope become heirlooms. I see beauty in things that are not yet beautiful.

One of my favorite items is the set of appetizer plates. I was inspired by my Grandmother's friendship tea set. Each tea set (a cup, saucer, and plate) came from a different country. When she hosted a tea party, each woman would turn their cup/plate over to see where it was made. It was a way for women to meet each other and become friends. I think that my appetizer plates do the same thing. I write the name of each wood on the bottom of each plates as a conversation starter.

You can find my work on New York Makers website - https://newyorkmakers.com/products/rooster-studios