1. DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT WORK.
Turned highly figured bowls with intricate inlay Precious and semi-precious
metals are used as well as pre-historic materials found in Alaska. Each piece is
finished with a formula I developed that seals and protects the integrity of the
inlay. This finish also protects and enhances the three-dimensional properties
of the wood.
2. DESCRIPTION OF PAST WORK.
Cabinets, furniture, boxes, clocks, scrimshaw, carving and jewelry design
(Including silver casting).
3. PROJECTION OF FUTURE WORK.
My desire is to create larger, more intricate pieces including furniture, using
my combined skills of design, inlay, carving, metal work and finishing
techniques. I invasion-creating works that will one day (hopefully in my
lifetime) be recognized as some of the best in the world.
4. WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WORK?
God. He has given me the intense desire to leave something truly beautiful and
something of value to mankind long after I’m gone.
5. AWARDS OR COMMISSIONS.
Best of Show Tri-Cities
Holidays at the White House Washington D.C.
People’s Choice Award Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Anchorage, Alaska
5-time winner People’s Choice Award Box and Container competition Northwest Gallery
of Fine Woodworking Seattle, Wa.
6. MAJOR EXHIBITS
American Art Company Tacoma, Wa.
Small Treasures del Mano Gallery Los Angeles, Ca
Our Turn Now Ohio Crafts Museum
Detroit Institute of Art
Turned Wood del Mano Gallery Los Angeles, Ca.
National Lathe Turned Objects exhibit Highlight Gallery Mendocino, Ca.
Holidays at the White House Washington, D.C.
American Craft Council Show Baltimore, M.D.
Kipp Gallery at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
(SOFA) International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art New York, New York
(SOFA) International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art, Chicago, Illinois
7.PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
Detroit Institute of the Arts Bob Bohlin Collection
Whoope Goldberg Collection
Neil and Susan Kay Collection
Fleur Bressler Collection
White House Permanent Collection
8. HOW DID YOU DECIDE OR EVOLVE INTO USING PRESENT MEDIUM?
I was privilege to have grown up in Alaska when it was still a territory, and I was always intrigued
by nature and the lessons it had to teach. When it came time for me to make a living, I found
conventional jobs too restricting and un-fulfilling. I missed the excitement of creativity I
experienced when I was closer to nature. My first project was a clock made from a burl on a tree
in my backyard. That was all it took! 25 years later I am still working with the Alaskan woods I
have always loved.
9. DO YOU USE ANY PERSONALLY DESIGNED TOOLS OR TECHNIQUES?
Yes, I have re-designed my metal lathe for outboard turning. The inlay and lamination work I do
is of my own creation and design. Due to the unique materials and design of my work, I have also
developed my own finishes and finishing techniques.
10. WHAT DO YOU DO TO EVOKE YOUR CREATIVITY?
Nothing. Creating is something I do instinctively. It’s like breathing, I do it quite well, but I don’t
have to think about doing it.
11. DO YOU DRAW YOUR DESIGNS AND CONCEPTS OR DESIGN AS YOU WORK?
I always design as I work. I love surprises!!!!!!!!!
12. WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS BEING PRODUCED NOW AND
THE PLACE OF THE CRAFTS-PERSON TODAY?
Craftsman or craft-person was a title that used to be given to one who had acquired the
philosophy and skill to produce nothing but the highest level of work. I feel that there are many
fine crafts-people still producing excellent work today. Unfortunately, there many more who call
themselves “craftsmen” but don’t have the philosophy and therefore, never develop the skill to
actually become a crafts person. As far as the craft-persons place in our society today, I believe
they have always had and will always have an important place in our society. They helped get us
out of our caves and on to the moon. It doesn’t matter what they build, beautiful works of art or
space stations, their integrity and desire to produce the very best they can is what will help us
achieve true civilization.
13. PUBLICATIONS FEATURING YOUR WORK.
Nature Transformed, Detroit, Michigan
Contemporary Turned Wood, Los Angeles, California
The Fine Art of Wood, Detroit Michigan
Woodturning, Sussex, England
Fine Furniture, Taunton Press, Newtown, Connecticut
Wood Central Shop Shots, Saratoga, New York
Alaska Magazine Anchorage, Alaska Peninsula Clarion Kenai, Alaska
Alaska Handcraft Catalog Juneau, Alaska