How did you get into woodworking?
I got into woodworking because I wanted to see if I could make a spoon. I thought it would be easy and it was not. So I kept practicing until it was not hard for me to do anymore.
What inspires your creations?
I often receive inspiration from my daily interactions with friends, family, customers, and the occasional musical lyric that touches me in a profound way. I’m also inspired by form and how it contributes to a functional design.
What made you decide to add power carving to your repertoire?
Adding power carving tools to my spoon making process was a natural progression. If a power carver can help me express the idea in my head, then that’s the power carver I will be using to bring that work to life.
What is your favorite power carving tool and why?
The Arbortech Industrial Woodcarver in my go to power carver. I use it everyday and on almost every project. It enables me to cut the correct contour and depth of a spoon bowl. It makes quick work of what would take almost 60 minutes to do with traditional tools.
What impact has power carving had on your art/passion/livelihood?
Using power carving tools is not only a time saver, but I’m able to set up several spoons in line and “hog out” the bowls in no time. I will be able to continue carving wooden spoons for a long time because the power carving tools save wear and tear on my joints as I get older. It also allows me to take the time for new creative projects.
What advice would you give to people who are thinking of getting into power carving?
If you are thinking about getting into power carving then don’t be afraid; just try it! The sooner you start power carving, the better your hand skills will get because you are using your hands to guide the tool. With practice you will discover more ways you can use power tools. You will soon have more time to create and greater flexibility in what you can make!