My sculpture starts as a block of wood, and with a variety of chisel-like tools and a mallet, I chip away until the final shape is formed. The wood carving is then followed by the equally laborious job of finishing. I use files to remove chisel marks and smooth the surface. Then, many hours of sanding reveal the grains and bring the wood to its natural sheen.

Wood is my only medium because of its natural beauty. I study the grains so their patterns can best be displayed. Shapes cut cross the grain best reveal the open pattern. Wood grain patterns naturally curve, as does all of nature. My sculpture is intended to be formed and flow with these natural curves.

I use only the finest hard woods because they are the only ones that can produce their own sheen. Since each variety of wood displays its own color, I never add other color. To provide protection, I use shellac, applied to a “French Finish” (10 to 25 thin coats applied with a steel wool rub between each coat). As a final protection, paste wax is applied and then rubbed off.

To best keep my sculpture in your home, please avoid strong heat sources and bright sunlight. A hard paste wax, such as Minwax or Butcher’s Wax, should be applied at least once a year to insure protection against dust and temperature fulgurations. Wood, because of its natural state, can never be guaranteed 100% – however, should cracks develop, they can always be repaired by the artist.