I have been around woodworking for all my life, as my father taught woodworking for more than thirty years. I have always worked with wood in various forms to create both functional and non-functional pieces. I sought out woodturning as a way to express myself and relieve stress. I find it magical to stand in front of a wood lathe and watch long thin ribbons of wood fly over my shoulder, exposing a form within. I try to expose the beauty of the piece I am working by defining the shape to show the grain pattern in all its glory. I turn a variety of woods, both domestic and exotic, often searching for salvaged wood. I love simple forms that do not take away from the natural beauty of the wood itself. I believe that woodturning gives a piece of wood a second life that can be enjoyed for generations.