Woodwork Wonders

BIO

I am a lifelong woodworker, living most of my life in Edmonton, Alberta. My Post-secondary education includes Graphic Arts, Mechanical and computer drafting, as well as a teaching degree from University of Alberta. The career I followed passionately was as a Hardwood Flooring Contractor. I have retired after 25 fun-filled years, but still look back at photos of many interesting, beautiful floors and customer driven projects. My interest in building instruments began in 2007 when I decided to use my own tools to build a guitar , following purchased plans. My first success led to more guitars, then Ukulele's, then a Mandolin . My interest in Alabaster stone began in 1985 after reading an article by a Colorado Artist who enlightened me on the benefits of working with this stone on a woodworking lathe. It was many years before I had access to the quality stone I now use, but I did practice on locally sourced stone for quite a while. Working beside many talented Tile Setters gave me much needed information about tools and techniques for working with hard and soft natural stones. I have shown my craft work at many craft shows and galleries across Alberta and B.C.

CRAFT

My Alabaster stonework is mainly produced on a wood-turning lathe. By turning the stone thin, the natural translucence becomes a feature of the plates, bowls, and vases. I usually glue a thin wooden rim to these vessels for an accent , and to provide strength to the delicate rim. The Alabaster stone is porous enough to allow me to cut turned cylinders in half, glue a base on, then fit a wooden drawer. These make interesting boxes with unique details. My Ukulele's are made of solid wood and are steamed and shaped with traditional tools and techniques. I do try to make some fun, atypical shaped instruments to give them individuality. All my instruments are built with exotic and domestic wood combinations to look one-off, but to sound as good or better than you may expect.

LINKS