Artist’s Statement / Bio
My love affair with woodworking began back in 8th grade woodshop at Belzer Jr. High outside Indianapolis. The project? A poplar-turned table that still stands proudly in our home-proving that at least one thing I made at 13 didn’t collapse.
From there, I tinkered with wood off and on over the years, mostly turning out gifts for friends and family. I think they liked them... although there’s a chance some have since been repurposed as very classy firewood.
After retiring from a 30-year successful sales career in 2019, I decided it was time to get serious about my sawdust habit. Thus my custom woodshop - aptly named Making Memories - was born. With my drumsticks and mallets also retired after performing 50+ years as a percussionist and semi-professional musician (yes, I got paid for hitting things), I redirected my rhythm and creativity toward wood instead of drums and inanimate objects that I used to beat on.
One of my favorite creations is the heirloom Charlie Horse rocking horse. The first one trotted out in 1987 as a gift for my new niece and is still bringing joy to second-generation riders today. Each horse - and every piece I make - is a one-of-a-kind built from the natural beauty and quirks of the wood itself. No stains, no shortcuts-just nature’s own palette doing the talking.
I love giving new life to scraps and offcuts, so my shop is a shrine to repurposing - or as I like to call it, "creative hoarding." Every board has a story, and I try to let the wood grains tell it. No two pieces are ever alike... though a few may be distant cousins.
Giving back has always been a guiding value in my life, and through woodworking, I have been able to bring joy, utility, and maybe a few splinters of happiness to others. So if you choose to take one of my pieces home, just know - you’re not just supporting an artist, you’re supporting my ongoing addiction to creating sawdust and having fun.
