I first started turning at the age of ten, after my grandfather bought me my first lathe. The lathe was in the basement of our stone farmhouse. Without any instruction, I began making primarily spindle pieces. As the years passed, I kept at the turning and eventually discovered ways to make the basic forms. Sharpening lessons would have been an asset. Years later I began doing small, commissioned pieces for painters who were restoring older homes. Globes and spindles primarily, sometimes other pieces as needed. Mostly though, the lathe work was for pleasure when I wasn't doing flatwork projects.
My career as a welder and a millwright supported my family. Family was exciting and eventually grandchildren became a part of life, more grandkids still to come, so I am told. I became involved with woodturning guilds and other like-minded individuals. This led to many new and exciting things that I was being exposed to. The sharing of knowledge in woodturning was exciting and I began demonstrating through other woodturning guilds. With retirement approaching I knew what my future had in store for me. Having joined a local studio tour and doing the odd craft show, my work was beginning to get recognized. With retirement, I have been focusing on more artistic pieces. I now have more time to promote the woodturning that I do, and I enjoy sharing it with others through teaching, demonstrations, social media or forums. With so much to offer and more to learn, the woodturning realm has been exciting and rewarding. I continue to challenge myself learning new things and adventuring into other mediums. I believe my metalworking background has been a big asset in the things that I do. I keep striving for new things and the possibilities of what can be achieved.