I have been a craft artist in a variety of media over the past twenty years, settling on wood turning exclusively since 1990. I choose to work primarily with Birch, a hardwood found throughout Canada and the Northern Hemisphere. I use Birch because it is neither a tropical rainforest wood, nor is it an endangered species.
The unusual colors are created by dyeing thin layers of Birch which is then laminated together into a sheet (similar to plywood) about 2’x3’. The sheet is then compressed to create a waterproof and extremely hard wood which is necessary for intricate turning.
My goal is to make hardwood pens that combine function with beauty.
Each pen is uniquely shaped on a 1 hp Craftsman lathe, and no patterns or templates are used to guide the form. Among my most popular styles is an ergonomically-shaped pen that is specifically contoured to fit a conventional grip, as well as a thicker pen that especially appeals to writers with arthritis.
These pens have been featured in art shows and craft fairs in more than sixteen states across the USA where they have found their way into the hands of artists, writers, architects, engineers, poets, lawyers, accountants, doctors, nurses, teachers, and anyone looking for a special gift for that certain someone “who has everything.”
When I turn wood in my workshop in rural Sonoma County, CA, I am inspired by the desire of writers everywhere for a unique writing instrument that is extremely durable, beautiful to look at, and feels good in the hand.
Workshop photos:
