I started turning in 2012 as therapy for a minor brain injury received in a car accident. First go was a week long class with David Barriger at John C Campbell Folk School. Was hooked from the first cut, it was amazing. Joined AAW after a week long class with Kirk DeHeer at JCCFS in 2013. He sold me on the organization and I have been a loyal member ever since. My turnings began mostly as pens to start with...first lathe was a very used Craftsman single tube from the mid 80’s and the $40 set of tools from Harbor Freight. Since then I have progressed, upgraded and launched a supply business. Went full time as a woodturner and retailer in 2016 and haven’t looked back. Had my first vendor booth at the KC Symposium in 2017 and things just keep leaping and bounding along. Started doing demos a couple years ago and made my symposium debut in October at the Ohio Valley Symposium. I do also teach at the Craft Alliance School of Art and Craft in St, Louis MO. My best classes are always the beginner classes. Love to be able to share everything that has been shared with me so far. Since I’m still relatively new to the whole thing I’ve missed out on meeting some great woodturners. Missed a chance at talking with Bhin Pho last year, figuring he was probably busy and I’d get the chance down the road. For 2018 I’ve made a promise to myself to make a point of meeting as many woodturners as I can, new...established...professional...beginner...and everyone in between. We can learn from and share with everyone, that’s the reason I’m going to start being more active here.
