Looking back, I had no idea that sculpture would become my passion although I do have a very strong memory of wanting to work with my hands since childhood. The opportunity did not present itself until the late 1980’s. It was a chance meeting with a stone sculptor on Nantucket Island that immediately sparked my interest in sculpture, carving, and a livelihood I could never have imagined.

Following a brief and casual apprenticeship, and with no formal art education, I set out on my own and exhibited my sculptures in art galleries on Nantucket, in Boston, Miami, Boca Raton and Houston. My contemporary work from this period is included in collections with works by some of the great sculptors of the twentieth century. I was accepted into the Copley Society of Boston, the oldest artist’s association in America, and there was given the distinction of ‘Copley Master’ following awards in five successive exhibits. So began a successful and very unexpected career.

In the ensuing years and with a zest for antiques, my wife and I began frequenting the local auction houses and antique shops. As our interest continued to grow, we found ourselves drawn to the charms of American folk art and particularly American folk art sculpture. During this time I took what I thought would be a brief respite from carving to pursue an alternate career. Surprisingly, my next artwork would not come for another 10 years! A simple request to carve a weathervane awoke the latent carver in me and moved my work in a whole new direction. The passage of time, new experiences and an acquired knowledge and appreciation of fine antiques would all play a role in defining my new artistic journey. With a renewed enthusiasm I began carving earnestly in wood.

Thus, with no woodworking or painting skills to my credit, I traded in my stone carving tools for woodcarving chisels and a mallet. Armed only with the confidence gained from my earlier experience carving in stone, I began reproducing early folk art masterpieces in wood. By mimicking the early masters I hoped to learn something about the creative processes these early folk artists had gone through in making their original works. How did they achieve such amazing work so sincere and rich with life? Was it possible to create new works with the essence and beauty of the early pieces? Navigating my way one piece at a time, I continue to learn by the process of doing.

After twenty years of living on Nantucket Island, I now live and work in Sandwich on Cape Cod, just a short distance from the island whose heritage continues to inspire my work.