The recent work revolves around the use of lumber which is left live-edged, that is with the natural curves, textures, and flaws found in the outside of the tree. Often, I am working with logs I have purchased whole, and have milled to my specifications. All of this material comes within a days' drive of my studio in Holyoke, MA. On more than one occasion I have harvested wood from within a mile of the studio. This is gratifying on many levels, makes a lot of sense from an ecological point of view, and personalizes my work.

Most of the pieces using this wood, also use the technique of bookmatching, or using sequentially cut boards from the same log, flipping the second board so that the faces are mirror images of each other. This gives the work an inherant symmetry, and I think almost personifies it, as the pieces become handed in a sense. In the Mariposa series of cabinets, the pieces act as the abstracted wings of butterfiles.

In the Canyon Series Tables, using larger slabs, I create powerful statements by joining boards only on the ends and leaving an intentional negative space in the middle. This space helps to balance the mass of the larger tables, and allows one to look through the table, a rare and wonderful treat. The ends are curved in the plane of the table, and domed and polished on the edge which is a nice contrast to the natural live-edge along the length of the tables. The legs are masses, which are cut to compound tapers, and then shaped with pleasing domes front and back. Finishes are done using layers of colors of casein paint (on the legs) and then everything is lacquered.