I’ve been a hobbyist woodturner for over 30 years. I enjoy making things both functional and beautiful. Every time I step in the shop, I am striving to not only create something good, but also to advance my skills and abilities.
It’s all about the wood for me. I like creating in harmony with Mother Nature. She’s supplied so much more than just a material to work with. Wood is art. My challenge is to embellish that art, using the lathe and other tools, to enhance the beauty already there. Sometimes, I also get to collaborate with insects or maybe a fungus, and we layer on top of each other’s work.
The challenge of lockdowns in 2020 became, for me, an opportunity. I cobbled together enough gear to turn an otherwise-canceled meeting into my first Interactive Remote Demo . I’ve since been able to give several IRDs to clubs around the country. Teaching (and demonstrating) are the best tools for self-improvement – I can not teach without also learning. And it is very rewarding to give back to the woodturning community that has shared so much with me.