Inspired by building houses with my father
I grew up as a contractor’s daughter. My father built single family spec homes and I grew up spending my summers working for him as a laborer. It was inportant to me to be able to work in this capacity as my father allowed me the flexibility to train as a runner and race during the summer as needed.
I was able to earn a full schalorship to compete for Northern Arizona University in cross country and track because of the work ethic and strength I gained from working hard from a young age.
It was during this time when I found my love for simply being around all things wooden. I loved being on the job and smelling fresh cut wood everyday.
I work in my backyard at home, in my favorite office. However, I do take my work into the garage while finishing or when the weather turns too cold. In the background of the photo to the right you can see where I have some wood hiding from the elements under the blue tarp for future projects.
One of the great parts about woodworking at home is that my husband is my mentor from whom I ask advice. There’s nothing better than working with my best friend to create beautiful art.
I am proud to say that I became an award winning artist in 2009 when I won the “Simplicity” award at the Flagstaff Recycled Art Show.
I had been out and about near Sedona picking up pieces of manzanita that had been cut on a fire line by firefighters from a recent fire. While out, I picked up a piece of sandstone before heading back to the truck.
I came home and lightly sanded the gnarly manzanita, cleaned up the sandstone, found an old rusty screw and threw the piece together. It was just one those pieces that instantly became art the moment I set the wood to stone.