I began carving as a chainsaw carver only. My best friend ran a chainsaw shop, and showed me how to operate and maintain my very first saw. I was first inspired to carve by seeing a couple of chainsaw carved mushrooms at a friend's house. With my head full of inspiration and little of anything else, I took my over-sized chainsaw home and attempted to carve a mushroom. It was a dangerous and ugly attempt, but I was in love :) The idea of turning nothing into something captivated me.


After learning to shape for a few years with a chainsaw, I had a strong desire to work with smaller, more detailed tools. I put the chainsaw away for quite some time and began making face carvings (also known as Wood Spirit Carvings). Wow! How could carving a face be so difficult?! Diligently, I would study, practice and time and time again, carve a face that was somewhat better than the last. It has taken me several years to figure out how to carve faces that I find pleasing, as I am very particular.... Maybe even a bit nutty :)

Venturing through the woods, searching for found- woods really tickles my soul. Nature has such beauty to offer if only our eyes will see it. Gathering Pine knots, walking sticks and searching for burls has become a favorite past time for me. The serenity of the forest and all that it has to offer, is very inspirational and therapeutic. When I get the chance, I love to take my family on road trips in search of driftwood and other "found woods" that are a little further away from me than my usual knots, sticks and burls.

I live and carve in the Hocking Hills of Southeastern Ohio. This is how I make my living, and I'm at it everyday- happily. I have been carving for over 8 years.

Wood carving has come full circle for me now, as I enjoy using many types of tools. I can go from the biggest of the big to the smallest of the small, and everywhere in between. The possibilities are endless and I'm one happy fella'.