I began in 1967, teaching myself, learning skills, cultivating my eye, developing a personal visual vocabulary. The work arose from my love of wood and trees and my love of birds and animals. My material is wood found and salvaged from orchard pruning piles, walks in New England woods, and travels in the Southwest. In the wood grain, the natural colors and the quirks of tree growth I look for the spirit locked in the weathered wood. I begin by removing excess wood: cutting, sanding, carving, reworking, and refining my vision. When ready, the sculpture receives 5 coats of clear finish. Now the piece comes to life. The living spirit of the animal shines out.
