ROTATION SCHEDULE

     My design influences are many and varied. The shapes and proportions of interesting buildings may spark an idea. Almost any other artwork can have an impact. Art Deco and Asian influences are certainly evident in some of my pieces. Often the wood itself will suggest an idea; a particularly unusual grain pattern or texture can trigger an interesting project. Even organic sources such as land formations and plant structures exert their subtle pull.
    Wood combinations are also very important. The interaction of various grain patterns, colors, and textures can define a piece and it’s impact on the viewer. Too much going on and its a visual jumble; too little and its pedestrian and dull. I spend a great deal of time sorting through my collection of different woods (and other materials as well) to find the right combination that will conspire together to lift my work to new heights.
     Often it’s an open-ended process. Much of my work grows and matures on its own. That is, I may start with a specific idea, but as things progress new thoughts come to mind and the piece may change direction. Woodturning, like stone sculpture, is subtractive in its approach. You cut away at something to reveal the hidden inner beauty it holds within. As shavings fly off the piece of wood, new patterns emerge as well as new spatial relationships. This affects the way I further compose the piece and surprising things often result that completely transform the final object.
     That’s a big part of the fun, and it can be an even bigger challange to free my mind and let intuition and inspiration take over. It’s a calling with many rewards and I’m grateful to be a part of it.