For
the last 18 years, we have worked together to create artistically
intricate and mystifying boxes. The organic, sensual shape, colors
and textures of our pieces draw our patrons to touch and explore
the wood, while the multiple levels of drawers, secret compartments,
and false floors surprise and delight with their interactive challenge.
We've converted our nineteenth century stone and wood barn into
a spacious studio, and it is here that we work to transform the
wood from its rough, raw form (including root burls) into a finished
piece. We use standard woodworking equipment (band saws, sanders
and hand tools of all types) that we have customized and modified
to meet our exacting needs. Although our boxes contain at least
4 and up to 60 or so pieces, all the components of each box are
derived from the original piece of wood and all are arduously
finished. |
| Sometimes
I wonder if I was a carver in a previous lifetime. Certainly
I've had no formal training in art this time around and didn't
start carving until I was almost 40 years old.
My
educational background is in the field of physical education
with a specialty in gym-nastics. Following my tour with the
United States Air Force, I coached the University of Wisconsin
Men's Gymnastics Team for eight years; then created and directed
the Badger Gymnastics Academy in Madison Wisconsin until 1992.
In addition to holding a part-time lecturer position with the
UW's Department of Kinesiology I now spend much of my week sculpting
driftwood.
Being
a student of gymnastics, I have grown to appreciate form and
movement. As a sculptor I try to capture these qualities in
whales, seals, dolphins and birds. Driftwood is my source of
both raw material and inspiration and, once a year, we search
the beaches of western Oregon for twisted, sun- bleached roots
of huge old white cedar, myrtle wood, and redwood trees. Hidden
in are nature's playful sea creatures. I just try to liberate
them.
My process involves torching the wood, charring the surface
down a half inch or so, to rid it of salt and sand. Then, I
clean the surface of the wood with a wire brush attached to
a power drill. Now the wood is clean, but I'm filthy; covered
in soot. After a hot shower, the serious work begins. Having
visualized the form, and paying close attention to the grain
and natural movement of the piece, I use the chain saw, grinders
and chisels to remove all the wood that doesn't resemble the
dolphin, seal, or whatever! Finishing involves hours of hand
sanding and oiling. A typical piece takes anywhere from 20 to
150 hours to complete. I don't count time walking on the beach! |