In examining my work often the first thing that one finds striking is the variety of woods I use. I will select some woods due to the consistency in color and absence of figure. Purpleheart is a good example. I will often use it as a sculptural element where I do not want an elaborate figure in the wood to compete with the sculpted shape. Holly is another wood that functions well in this manner. I tend to put these woods with woods that do have figure and often contrasts. My choice of woods is more about what the piece seems to call for that what is more or less exotic.

Much of my work employs conventional joinery techniques. I use hand cut dovetail joints, mortise and tennon joints etc. My pieces often have relief carving as well as three-dimensional carved elements. I have begun to inlay contrasting woods to incorporate specific shapes as well as use painted elements. Finally, for elements that require strength and delicacy I use a technique of bent wood lamination.

This side view shows the freshly laminated legs cut to uniform thickness. They have been dry fitted into the frame of the chair. Prior to gluing the frame together, the legs are tapered and rounded, as they will appear in the finished piece.

The darkest wood is quarter-sawn wenge. The white square is holly. The buff colored wood with the black lines is spalted maple. Purpleheart is tucked under cherry. Towards the back is lace wood. These are only some of the woods we use on the furniture we produce. On rare occasion do we stain wood. On these samples, there is a light lacquer finish only.