ARTIST STATEMEMT

I have been very fortunate in being able to do my own design work, whether for commissions or myself. This has allowed me to create challenges in the work for my continual growth and self expression.

I enjoy using bold clean lines in my designs, always striving for a balance between mass, form and function. I want the piece to have enough body that it will stand on it’s own, yet not be lost or feel overwhelming.

I enjoy hot forging the metal because it is a very direct process. When I want a desired form I have to know where and how to hit the metal and with each hammer blow it moves in the desired direction. It is hard work and I put a great deal of attention into creating visually pleasing objects. It is a big part of my life and I love doing it.

Whether forging a set of large driveway gates or a small coat hook, all the elements need to be in balance with one another.

One of the important design concepts in my work is the method I use to join different elements together. I often use traditional methods of joinery, rivets, collars, mortise and tenon. Though these are traditional methods, I create contemporary pieces using them.

These methods not only provide an important part of the overall design, but add structural integrity to the work.

One of my greatest pleasures in know what I create will be enjoyed and in use for generations. As I work and play I think of this quote from John Ruskin:

“Whenever we build, let us think we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, “See, this is what our fathers did for us.”