Through living in the desert southwest and my numerous travels throughout the region I have developed a great appreciation of the landforms, its cultures and its art. I have been fortunate to see southwest art in its many forms and visit with the artists. These experiences have provided me with the direction for my art. I have been woodturning for 10 years and I enjoy every aspect of the craft.
I find it very satisfying to take a simple piece of wood and turn away the unwanted wood to then expose the hidden beauty inside. I use primarily native wood species that are not endangered. I often utilize carving, laser technology and pyrography in a turned piece to highlight the design or enhance the design in the wood. The use of mesquite wood for bowls, vases and platters gives me the opportunity to use resins and/or turquoise inlays to fill the inclusions that often accompany mesquite.
Using light colored woods such as maple gives me the opportunity to incorporate designs from baskets of the southwest. When applied to woodturning this technique is called ‘basket illusion’. They look every bit like a native American basket but instead of grasses or reeds they are turned from wood. My use of archival inks brings out the design and color of the piece and I then apply a finish of satin polyurethane protective coating to seal and protect the piece.My work has been well received and I have won the 2020 “Best in Show” and the 2020 “Peoples Choice Award” at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos New Mexico.
