Since I was a young child old enough to hold a crayon, I created art. I never had any formal art training but whether I was working in oils, stained glass, or textiles, I was always creating. While teaching foreign languages as an adult, I came across a newly carved piece of folk art and thought, "I can do that". I've created thousands of carvings since that first day. The rest, as they say, is history.
The carvings you'll see in my web gallery are all original. Each is carved individually, one at a time, by me, without the use of power tools. I use wood chisels, X-acto knives, and the occasional hammer and larger molding chisel for oak pieces. When I'm satisfied with my carving, I hand paint and finish the piece.
I find inspiration in the beauty around me...my lake front studio, the Gulf of Mexico, vintage postcards, hardwood forests, lush tropical landscapes. Cedar and "found" wood are often my carving woods-of-choice. Cracks and knotholes natural to the wood are always incorporated into the finished carving.
Kudos and Credits
Celebrate 365 Winter 2009
Celebrate 365 Fall 2008
Country Sampler Fall and Winter 2008
Land's End Catalog 2006
Woodcarving Illustrated Fall 2006
Country Sampler September 2006
Wisconsin Trails/November/December 2005
Land's End Catalog 2005
Country Living/October 2004
Better Homes and Gardens Santa Collection 2003 (Vol. 5)
Country Accents February/March 2001
Chicago Home and Garden Winter 2000
Country Living October 2000
"Featured Artist" Folk Art Festival September 2000
NorthShore Chicago December 1999
Better Homes and Gardens October 1999
Figurines And Collectibles September/October 1998
Early American Homes December 1997"Featured Artist" Folk Art Festival September 2000
NorthShore Chicago December 1999
"Featured Artist" Folk Art Festival September 2000
