Artist Statement "The pieces I make are simple but finely detailed vessels. Manipulating the color and patterns in the wood to complement the form, and the texturing and carving to create visual and tactile contrasts are important parts of the process and the result. What I feel is most important is the intangible quality that the piece is "right" that comes with putting emotion and feeling into the work. A simple object can be very powerful and emotional just for what it is. These pieces are simply decorative vessels that reflect my interest in surface textures/contrasts and form, and the personal responses that I have to them, which I suspect are similar to the feelings that makers of objects have felt for thousands of years."
“I am inspired by many natural things – trees, rock formations, coral reefs – since all of these things exhibit pattern, texture etc. Ethnic objects such as pots, weavings and baskets are interesting to me as well, along with much contemporary craft and art. Any sort of art inspires, and I enjoy museum visits wherever I travel.”
“Probably the single largest influence at any time is the work I am currently making. It never fails to provoke and provide ideas. I am always curious to find out what I will do next.”
"Many of the woods that I use are from the dump, construction sites etc. I find great satisfaction in creating elegant objects from material that was destined to be buried or burned."
"Using fresh cut logs in my work, the wood is a very direct and responsive medium, with properties that are unique-not about the "woodiness" but the working qualities that it has. With my knowledge of the material, I can exert a great deal of control over the desired result. I am able to work with surface textures and shapes that would sometimes be difficult in other materials. I am, however, connected to the material of wood as a potter is connected to the clay-it's what I do and who I am".
