Defined By Experience
I strive to give a tree a second life as meaningful as it’s former. Trees provide for all life alongside them the most basic necessities. I strive to honor them through creating pieces that highlight each pieces strength, beauty, and diversity.
As a child, I was constructing and finishing garden trellises with my father. He taught me my first lessons in woodworking, and let me take all the scraps for my own experiments. Building swords and shields, very dangerous bicycle ramps, and modifications to skateboards. Without his support and encouragement I would never have pursued this craft.
By my teens I was taking my first woodshop class, being exposed to precision, accuracy, and thoughtful process of work. I also learned what a mast year was when our 200 year old oak tree dropped more acorns than a child could comprehend. Trees began to stand out to me. Each different but holding many diverse qualities.
As a young man I had already worked in two different woodshops, learning the difference between timeless design, and short thought cash grabs. Do you bury this beautiful wood under plastic and strap spray-painted legs to it? Or do you calculate the wood movement of a table top and build a base that allows it to expand and contract with the seasonal cycles? I’ve always loved a challenge.
As a college student I completed a three year formal apprenticeship in woodworking, learning the skills of hand cutting joinery and composing a design. I owe Western Michigan University for access to the best facilities and resources possible. Brad Smith for lessons and leadership. My family for their undying support. Tom, Eleanor, and Jon without these three I would not have had such a pleasure of a time. To work among other passionate makers only makes you better and to them, I am grateful for this.
Currently I am a high school educator expounding on the design process in its entirety. I believe “good” design solves problems and leverages the qualities of the materials you build with to elevate the product and the material. Craftsmanship is a journey that challenges you.
Rooted in Function
Sticking drawers, peeling veneers, and disintegrating Particle board are what have driven me to learn this trade. The mere thought that it can be done better has driven me to honor the materials through thoughtful research and designing with its qualities on the forefront. If a piece does not serve its function, why does it exist? By starting the design process with pure function in mind, aesthetic begins to reveal itself through natural proportions and simplicity in mind.
Each piece of wood I use is different than the last. Each piece holding different uses, different opportunities. Recognizing this is what gives each piece its character. A beautiful organisms second life on display while still serving those among it through thoughtful consideration. I feel blessed to be able to inhabit this space between human needs and natures greatest organism.
Committed to growth
I teach craftsmanship as a never ending pursuit. Cross roads that force you to make choices. Lessons along the way that challenge you. The journey and product are both as important as the other. Every piece produced is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better than you were yesterday. This is what makes a craftsman, A craftsman.