My Story: A Commitment to Craft and Place

I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to making furniture. I don't have the classic origin story of learning to chop mortises with my grandfather as a kid. I was actually on track towards a more sensible career—probably as an engineer or economist.

Then the toss of a coin pointed me in a much different direction. And as we all know, the coin never lies. Funny how a little moment can change everything.

In my early 20s, I stumbled into the two passions that would shape the rest of my life: woodworking and a place to call home.

Lummi Island Ferry and Mt Baker

It was 1994, and on a whim, I found myself riding a 20-car ferry bound for a small island near the Canadian border near Bellingham, Washington. I'd just arrived in the Pacific Northwest, drawn by curiosity and volcanos, and this was the first day of an apprenticeship with master furniture maker Alan Rosen. With zero woodworking experience, I imagined this would simply be an interesting yearlong detour as I saved money to complete college. Little did I know, this day marked the beginning of a lifelong journey.

Salish Sea During a Winter Gale—a stones throw from my shop

Calm Salish Sea at Legoe Bay Outside My Studio

Over these last 30 years, I've poured myself into refining this craft and deepening my roots on this beautiful island and its close-knit community. By 2003, I had established my current workshop by the Salish Sea, with views from my bench of ever-shifting skies and waves—a constant reminder of why I chose to stay.

Early Days—Milling a Large Slab Destined to be a Tabletop

My work is both an artistic and utilitarian pursuit which challenges me every day, and it brings me joy to know that many of my pieces will serve as functional art, lasting for generations to come.

Ark Delivery Day - The Culmination of a 5 year Commission for a Local Synagogue 

I share this journey with my wife, Samya, and our amazing twin boys, dogs, cats, goats and chickens. We spend our free time sailing among nearby islands and exploring the alpine world of the surrounding coastal mountains. In every way, life here is an adventure, and I am grateful each day for this path I've chosen.

My Boys Ready for the Next Adventure