The intent of my work is to capture the beauty of nature and modern design, by stripping down the decorative elements and focusing on the simplicity of the object.
Using both hand and power tools I create carved wood panels and objects. My primary source for materials is salvaged offcuts from local sawmills and cabinet shops. Inspiration is drawn from two main sources; the simple and clean forms of modern design, as well as from the dynamic environment where I live on the southern shore of Lake superior in Marquette Michigan.
The wood is often worked green then allowed to warp and crack as it dries. After carving I paint or burn the surface to emphasize tool marks. The lines and textures carved in the wood are abstractions from the natural world; rocks, water, sand, waves, trees, ice… I primarily work within squares, rectangles and grids; exploring relationships between the organic carving and the machined lines.
