I am a child of Appalachia.

 

My ancestors were hard working resourceful people who lived in very rugged and isolated country. They were expert at using and reusing local resources to make or mend the things they needed. It is not surprising to me that I have been a woodworker all my life.

 

I earned a degree in Heritage Arts that prepared me to demonstrate 18th century trades in outdoor museums. My first real job after college was as assistant superintendent in charge of the Blaker's Mill restoration project where we totally disassembled, reassembled and restored a 19th century grist mill to working condition. Most of the labor for the project was done by old retired tradesmen who taught me much of what I know about carpentry.

 

I have worked on many historic homes and buildings, from the Alexander Graham Bell house in Washington, DC to buildings at the US Naval Academy and the Smithsonian Institution. I’ve also done high end finish work in office lobbies, executive suites, restaurants and hospitals. In the past 15 years I have focused primarily on custom residential work and furniture I build in my own Shop.

 

 I like to use old distressed lumber or wood with faded layers of paint in my work. There is a wonderful untold story in the soft worn colors left by time and neglect that I find quite beautiful.