Artist Statement
As a High School graduate, I have had absolutely no formal art training. I did however take every offered “shop” class and excelled in wood shop.
I have built relationships with tree removal crews in my area. Living in South Florida, all my pieces are made from urban woods. My varieties include Florida Mahogany, Norfolk Island Pine, citrus, mango, avocado, and other tropical flavors.
Step #1 of creation involves a chain saw. The tree trunk is first cut into workable sized blanks.
Step #2 mounts a piece on the lathe. While the lathe spins the wood I hand hold carving tools and remove the excess material one shaving at a time.
Step #3 is the excavation of the inner material.
Step #4 is allowing the wood to dry and cure.
Step #5 is the finishing process. My pieces receive as many as 20-25 coats of a wiping varnish. No dyes, stains, or paints are used. Just hours and hours of individual attention.