Gust Gallery - Fine Arts

As a long-time wood turner, I derive pleasure from giving shape to a solid block of material. Most material, whether wood or stone, has a predictable growth pattern, colour, or grain, but the finished shape of the object alters the patterns, making each piece unique. My choice of Alabaster as a medium was decided by its compromising nature, which makes it hard enough to handle worry-free, but not so hard as to be difficult to shape. My choice to add a wooden rim gives added strength to the most delicate part of a bowl or vessel, its thin edge. Being strong enough to cut thin, Colorado Alabaster allows light to pass through, illuminating a marble patterning not seen clearly on the outside face.

Also make a good number of Ukuleles each year to accommodate my passion for woodworking. Mixing wood and stone allows endless creative possibilities which keep my mind and body active.

I was born in Alberta, living most of my life in Edmonton. I grew up with an interest in how things worked and were made, developing an interest in mechanics which remains with me. My appreciation for art and other artists began in my early 20's, with a focus on wood working in particular. I devoured any information on techniques and methods used by known wood turners especially. My first direct experience turning wood is due to my father-in-law giving me use of his own tools and equipment. After gaining practical experience with his tools, I set out to make my own and modify others to meet my needs, which I continue to do.

My interest in stone began with a geology course taken through Athabasca University. Breaking open found stones to view their un-weathered crystal structure became a quirky hobby. As a flooring contractor I often worked beside other stone workers who passed on their infectious passion for unique materials and ways to manipulate them. Discovering Alabaster stone through a woodworking magazine was a turning point in my lathe-turning journey. I played with soapstone and marble, but always came back to working with Alabaster. The perfect material to shape with steel tools, but hard enough to allow its use in everyday items.