ARTIST STATEMENT

            I look at wood as a precious material made by nature. I find plywood to be extremely distant from that original source, losing most of its natural characteristics. Plywood splinters easily and is difficult to work with hand tools. Its layers mock the natural growth rings of trees and lack the integrity of unprocessed wood.I reclaim the integrity of the wood within the plywood by working to bring out the beauty of this natural material.

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            Building upon each piece as I cut, I let the form naturally grow and reveal its true nature. By sanding and rubbing the surface with waxes, stains and oils then re-sanding repeatedly, I transform the surface to have the desire to be held, fondled, and caressed. I use the lines of the plywood to reflect the natural growth of the trees themselves; the forms almost self-generate, building upon themselves while growing in layers.

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            Originating from the death of the forest, I reanimate the wood into creatures that live within forests. With playful energy I give movement to the forms, creating connections that can be manipulated and distorted. Skeletons emerge that might be better placed in a natural history museum. Engorged toys find themselves too large to be placed within a toy chest. Life seems to reemerge, forming something new, revitalizing the integrity of the wood.