I never imagined I would end up working with my hands. Though I studied to be an engineer I gained a greater appreciation for the machinists that actually made things. I found in wood a material that I could learn to work with on my own. A piece of wood can have its own unique character and beauty so it is not just about forcing your own ideas onto the material but a partnership with it.

I made my first jewelry box for my sister eight years ago. I have learned a lot since then but still put the same level of care into my work as the first time.

I believe we as craftspeople have a duty to make our work affordable. It's easy to sit back and bemoan a disposable society, but you also have to give people an alternative between the mass produced piles of termite puke with a picture of wood on them and something extraordinary that no one can actually afford to buy. In most of my work I put aside what is fun for me to do and just focus on making something of quality without any ego involved. I do other unique designs where I get to enjoy myself, but I still try to keep things affordable.