A breeze sings through the leaves, forcing the sunlight to dance its way through to reach the forest floor.
Birds join in, adding their melody to another breathtaking day.
Squirrels dash about the tree tops with boundless, excited energy.
A deer suddenly raises its head over the bush it had been nibbling before bounding away.
Trees rise up to greet the sun, sheltering those who live below. Growing steadfastly ever greater in their quiet, unconcerned way. The merry sound of a stream drifts up from the valley; bringing with it the scent of water to mix with the rich smell of the earth. Here is a place to walk, sit, think, play, and create. Making your way through the forest, you drink in its paradox of stillness and riotous abundance of life, its peaceful order and clamorous joy.
But things never stay the same forever; eventually, even trees fall. These stately, aged giants succumb to time and come crashing down, making way for their offspring to flourish. Many would cut them up for firewood or leave them to rot. I see deeper. Below the bark lies the story of that tree. What happened here over the last hundred years? Did it grow straight, or did the wind bend it to its will? What struggles has it overcome, or has it grown in peace? Everything that happens to a tree creates patterns in the grain, a physical memory of what was. As a woodworker, I get to be a part of the story by displaying this memory for all to see. I never know what I will find inside a tree, and it always takes my breath away.
Because of this, wood feels alive. It is a living memory. Every piece is special and reminds me of the life, joy, order, and calm of the forest. I try to express the feel of the forest along with the story of the individual tree; capturing the ruggedness of the bark, the delicate intricacy of the leaves, and the elegance of soaring columns rising far above.
Wood is different from other materials. It is not a blank canvas for you to express yourself on. When I create something out of wood, I am working with the tree, not imprinting myself on it. Taking care to mesh my ideas with the character of the wood is what creates something truly special. I create pieces as enduring as the original tree; expressing the calm, unhurried, yet unrelenting, resolution to flourish.