Artist’s statement

My abstract carved wood sculptures explore the tension between confinement and freedom, the interplay of negative and positive space, and the complexity of human relationships. Over time, my work has evolved toward more fluid, organic forms—shapes that suggest movement, transformation, and the quiet intelligence of natural processes. My practice draws on related skills in woodworking, fine furniture making, and welding, as well as lifelong interests in mythology, archaeology, architecture, and geology. Rather than being guided by formal reasoning, I follow instinct and a desire to find resolution between human nature and the larger forces of the natural world. That resolution is often a matter of balance, simplicity, and allowing the form to emerge.

I create sensuous, tactile sculptures that evoke organic growth, human emotion, and the quiet intimacy of connection and care. A suggestion of the figure, a geometric projection, a ratio, or an archetypal shape may spark a piece, but the process remains open-ended—shaped as much by intuition as intention.

Each sculpture begins with a sketch and a conversation with the wood—a negotiation between concept and material. Working primarily with North American hardwoods such as walnut, cherry, apple, and butternut, I let the grain, color, and imperfections guide the carving. I shape, gouge, and chisel, coaxing the material until its inherent beauty and form begin to surface.

My sculptures often contrast sharp angles with softened curves and incorporate negative space—circular portals or open cores—that invite light and movement. The final stages are meticulous: sanding, finishing, and refining each contour to create forms that reward close inspection and invite touch, offering a shifting experience from every angle.