Statement;

I have always viewed trees as a metaphor for the development, maturation, and unfolding of human life. From seedlings to saplings to great, majestic deciduous, the constant cycle of emergence and egression has never ceased to captivate me. Each tree has its story.

While snags fertilize new growth and elders shelter their young, saplings learn to contend with their surroundings, intrinsically aware that they must stretch their way towards the verdant canopy, reaching for wisdom and light.

When immersed in the stillness of nature, surrounded by trees, I am reminded of the fleeting interval we are given in this lifetime. Life is only a moment, and is often spent foolishly when taken too seriously. I believe the world would be wise to lighten up and laugh - hence, my partiality to caricatures.

On account of my reverence and esteem for trees, I enjoy reusing fallen or cut timber and creating something more from it; a transformation from one life to another, enhanced with a touch of humor. From the trunk of the tree to the roots, branches, and limbs, there is much to be fashioned from the renewable resource. The reward is the creation; the satisfaction is the reactions of those who see my work.

With fluid motions of the chainsaw, followed by the meditative, steady rhythm of the mallet against the chisels and gouges, I find carving an exciting, yet relaxing escape; my gateway to another dimension. As life remains within the tree, its energy guides the saw, deciding the form of the completed work. The grain of the wood flows like the veins of the being that gradually emerges into a sculpture.

Having relocated to Montana, I find the realm of chainsaw carving to be primarily restricted to local wildlife. While I prefer to carve people, my take on wildlife is a step beyond the ordinary - a unique alternative from the mainstream bears. I focus on the necessity of difference and added humor in our world today, rather than on mass replication.

The beauty of the Treasure State – its welcoming residents, scenic landscape and wildlife, and most importantly, the trees - enhances my love for nature and sparks my creativity. I intend to continue carving and hope to further extend the classification of chainsaw sculptures, adding new meaning to the medium.