Q: What kind of tools do you use?
A: I use a variety of wood chisels and carving knives, but my old standby is a utility knife.

Q: Where do you get the wood you carve?
A: I have several sources, primarily from friends and family with mature trees on their property. Storm damage has provided me with numerous pieces of excellent quality hardwoods. Most of the wood I carve is harvested in the state of Kentucky. I have to admit that once in a while I stop and pick up a log or limb from the side of the road.

Q: How do you decide what to carve?
A: Sometimes the piece of wood simply looks like what it should be (See "Eagle in Flight" on the "Our Services" page. The shape of the driftwood looked like a wing to me and now it is an "Eagle in Flight".).
Other times, I have an idea and start working with the wood to achieve that idea. One of my basic principles is to try to maximize what the wood offers.
Then there are the specific commission pieces (For example: "Jesus". You can see the finished piece on the "Commission Pieces" page).
Often it is the shape, color, texture or grain that creates the project.

Q: What type of finish do you use on your carvings?
A: I am particularly fond of oil finishes, tung oil and linseed oil being the most common. The finished product is left with a soft luster that doesn't mask the natural beauty of the wood. Most of my recent work is finished this way.

Q: What is your favorite challenge in woodcarving?
A: By far my favorite challenge is turning someone's vision into a work of wood art. The reaction when they see their vision made real, is very, very special. The comments I receive are treasures that I will always hold dear.