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A tree begins its life born from
a small seed. In the forest it is surrounded and shaded by the
diverse species of many older trees that tower over the newly born
shoot. Yet the sun will find its way to provide light to its
leaves. The rains will penetrate the soil to nourish its roots. Over the passing of many years it will grow tall and wide. In its lifetime it will gift our eyes with the beauty of its
appearance, the coolness of its shade, a home for birds, and
perhaps even a place for children to climb. Some will even
provide the joy of the taste of their fruits and nuts. Then
someday its trunk will return to the earth as it is separated from
its roots. Man will assist it in its journey to a mill where its
fibrous soul will be divided and its afterlife begins. A
person with a love and recognition for the inner beauty of a tree
will take up the boards and dream of the possibilities for this
tree’s rebirth. Carrying them to a workplace, the wood
artisan will cut, shape, smooth and finish the boards into a work
of art. On display, people will delight in the beauty of
what they see. The tree, now dispersed to many locations and
in many different designs, has been given new life.
I spent many years teaching music
and directing choirs while working with wood was a hobby. Now as
these aspects of my life have made reversal, I incorporate my
audio talents of blending and contrasting timbres, rhythms and
harmonies into the visuals of woodworking. Just as there is a wide
variety of musical styles, so too I enjoy creating diversity in
furniture and art objects, employing different styles, woods and
other materials.
In my
repertoire you will find items that are precise in form and
construction in comparison to playing a score note for note. You
will also find items embracing improvisation, such as a bowl
turned on the lathe with a form that developed spontaneously.
Trees are one
of the few things in this world which we can enjoy after their
lifespan of shady leaves, tasty fruits and nuts has ended. My
works are created with the precept that they become the “Artistic
Rebirth of Trees.” |
