I started turning in
1993, quickly found that I absolutely love it, and became a full-time turner in
1998. Though I'm mostly self-taught, I have had several hands-on classes with
such people as John Jordan, Mike Lee and Jacques Vesery,
which have helped me to build my skills.I've also been inspired and influenced by many other turners and wood
artists who either live in or have passed through Hawai`i.
Artist Statement
My current work
incorporates designs based on freeform Celtic knots and explores how the
curving, undulating patterns can cross cultures, look like something from
nature or illustrate an emotion.
I wanted to explore
something from my own Scottish Irish culture and to take knotwork
in a new direction; so rather than just drawing, then burning, the knot around
the rim of a platter, I allow my designs to drift across the pieces and flow
over the edges.I use simple bowl
shapes, which have been dyed and textured, as back drops on which to weave the
designs.
I love the idea of
hidden things and am also making a series of boxes that don’t appear to be
boxes at first glance. They also have the Celtic based designs on them and the
graphics flow into the insides of the pieces also.