I have been making baskets for over 30 years. My primary focus is on a variety of rib baskets, but coiling and twining figure importantly in my work. My work with gourds utilizes many basketry techniques as well, and the results are very striking and popular.

Natural materials are incorporated in all my work and I do a lot of dyeing when appropriate. Innovative use of materials and techniques add to the depth of my work. It is a matter of pride to me that each of my pieces is unique.

Baskets are an ancient and traditional art form. They have been made for millions of years so people can put stuff in them. They still serve that function perfectly, but they are sculptural as well. The majority of my baskets are my interpretation of the Appalachian Egg Basket [a.k.a. Double Butt Basket]. I use wild gathered natural materials in addition to more traditional basketmaking material. I also use a wide variety of dyes and dye techniques to indulge my love of color. Between the idiosyncrasies connected with the use of natural materials and my exuberant use of color, I can unequivocally state that each of my creations is one of a kind. They are very utilitarian and uniquely decorative as well.

Gourds are traditionally used by cultures around the world for a multitude of purposes. The uses of the plant are reflected in the numerous sizes and shapes of the fruits. The variety of shapes and sizes provide exciting artistic challenges. I make some traditional gourd utensils and tools, but most of my gourd work, while technically could be classified as containers, is sculptural and decorative. The decorations I use are generally "Southwestern" in character. The figures I use are my interpretation of petroglyphs and pictographs I encountered while exploring in the Matarango and Coso ranges in the Mojave Desert. I make no claim to any Native American lineage but I freely admit to heavy spiritual connection with the environment and cultures of the Southwest.

I have been participating in juried art and craft shows for many years. Some of them, such as the Mount Vernon 18th Century Faire and Leesburg's August Court Days are period events where I dress and exhibit in "colonial" traditional garb and use traditional techniques. However most of my juried events are contemporary. The shows are located throughout the Mid-Atlantic states as well as Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.

We are part-time residents in the Town of Saguach, Colorado and have fixed the place up to be our summer headquarters. We hope to have room for the grandkids and their parents and as many of our friends as we can entice to visit.

The big draw for me is the store building. It has become my studio with the front portion a sunny storefront gallery. I hope the gallery will be a show place for not only my work, but for pieces from some of my many friends.

If your travels take you to beautiful southern Colorado, please plan a little extra time to stop by the corner of Denver and 5th in Saguache to say hello. Send me an email or call and I will be happy to provide specific directions.