My sculptures begin with character wood—pieces marked by grain, burls, cracks, and even rot. These marks reveal a tree’s life: drought, disease, insects, and time. Like people, trees gain character through adversity. That parallel is central to my work.
I don’t sculpt recognizable forms. My goal is to evoke a feeling; something quiet, contemplative, and emotional. I let the wood lead. I rarely begin with a fixed idea. Instead, I respond to what’s there. The process is subtractive and irreversible—each cut matters. There’s no undo button, which makes the work intimate, even risky. Most of my wood isn’t bought from lumberyards. The wood in a typical hardwood store doesn’t have the depth of character I’m seeking. I source it from small independent mills or directly from people removing trees. After storms, I often take a chainsaw and gather fallen tree stumps and branches. These remnants aren’t waste—they’re stories waiting to be revealed. When someone leans in or reaches out to touch a finished piece I've created, that’s a moment I treasure. Wood invites touch. It carries warmth and memory. That physical connection tells me the work has resonated. I’m inspired by Mark Rothko’s emotional fields, Mondrian’s refined balance, and George Nakashima’s reverence for wood. My work isn’t intended to be representational, yet viewers often find echoes of ancient artifacts, spiritual totems or hidden faces. I don’t mind. It means something stirred. Each sculpture is a quiet conversation between artist and material. I hope it invites reflection—on nature, resilience, and the beauty found in imperfection. My work has recently been shown in several international exhibitions, including a juried competition in Montreal. In Houston, I am represented by Heidi Vaughan Fine Art, and I serve on the board of Fresh Arts, a nonprofit that empowers artists and strengthens the creative community. Alongside my studio practice, my wife Cynthia and I co-founded Decatur Street Studio, a combined creative space and Airbnb located in Arts District Houston, and the Historic Sixth Ward. The studio reflects our shared commitment to art, artists, and community. |