My interest in woodworking began at a very early age.
I grew up on Long Island where, after a harried week in Manhattan, my father would unwind in the evenings and on the weekends by teaching me woodworking in the basement workshop. In pursuing my love of wood, I enrolled in the Industrial Arts and Design program at Oswego State College in New York. Upon graduation I moved to southern Vermont where I supplemented my high school teaching salary by making and selling hand crafted, high quality furniture. Convinced that there was an appreciation and a market for my work, I left teaching in 1983 to pursue my dream full time.
Most of my work is inspired by Shaker and Arts and Crafts furniture, as well as modern day masters Sam Maloof, George Nakashima and James Krenov. I believe that simple, functional furniture, crafted with quality materials, integrity and pride will yield a timeless piece that will be passed down from generation to generation. All pieces are made of solid hardwoods with cherry, walnut and figured maples being the woods of choice. I take great pride in the selection of the wood and the time-consuming placement and matching of the grains and color. This cumbersome task of hand selecting often allows me to use boards from the same tree to complete a piece. Traditional joinery is a major component… mortise & tenon, dovetails, sliding dovetails… joinery that has not changed since the 18th century. No two pieces are alike. While the dimensions may be identical, the characteristics of the wood are clearly distinguishable to the eye making each piece one-of-a-kind. This sort of “identity” is what sets my custom-built furniture apart from others.
My work is on display at my studio/showroom in MT. Tabor, Vermont, EPOCH Artisan Gallery, Manchester Center, Vermont and an occasional craft show throughout New England. I live with my wife, Cheryl and our rescue dog and cat, Charlie and Bernie in Mount Tabor, Vermont where the “hands-on” testing of furniture takes place.