Search
As a child I was constantly playing in the trees or wandering aimlessly through the old growth pine groves that grew near my neighborhood on the south shore of Boston. This same sense of peace and tranquility came over me the first time I saw a bonsai tree . Ever since , I have been impressed with the ability to create such a natural wonder as well as the dedication and tradition that went hand in hand with the art. My recent lifestyle has not been consistent enough to allow the care that living trees need, so to continue my obsession came wire trees.
As bonsai trees are often wired in their training it was not such a stretch to form an entire tree with wire. My self taught process has developed out of necessity and trial and error. I have used trees that I have photographed throughout the years , free form designs as well as trees seen during my Alaskan travels as inspiration. I favor traditional Japanese rules to guide almost every tree design, shape and placement on the base. Most stone bases are collected along Turnagain Arm and the driftwood has been selected from beaches along Kachemack Bay. Wire is chosen for its function and aesthetics . Copper was chosen mainly for garden displays because of its ever changing patina and longevity. My designs are crafted to last and all fabrication techniques take this into account.
My latest creations are a mirror of lots of changes that I have gone through the last 8 years. I am deriving more and more inspiration from people and their character. Just as a tree twists and turns, our lives do too. Trees just like people reflect their environment, adding to their texture, philosophy and aesthetics. Representations of family trees have been commissioned and are currently in the works.
My work can also be seen in Alaska at:
Artic Rose Gallery in Anchorge
Kenai Fine Arts Center in Kenai
