I began my woodworking experience carving shapes and patterns into my father's workbench, and to my parents' chagrin, the family piano, too. Since that time, I've engaged in a more disciplined study of cabinetmaking at Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, which laid the foundation for my career as a furniture m … Read more I began my woodworking experience carving shapes and patterns into my father's workbench, and to my parents' chagrin, the family piano, too. Since that time, I've engaged in a more disciplined study of cabinetmaking at Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, which laid the foundation for my career as a furniture maker.

I refined my skills at the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking in Roberts Creek, BC, Canada, where I am a graduate of both the Artisan and Craftsman programs. The teachings of Robert Van Norman and James Krenov resonated with me while attending Inside Passage. Robert's keen sense for guiding his students through the maze of possibilities, and JK's experience and wisdom delivered through his weekly phone lectures, allowed me to discover the profound effect a new way of working could have on my approach to this craft.

Properly tuned hand tools, a deep appreciation for the chosen material, and a calm, sensitive approach to design and to the making itself, all combine to set the tone for my work.