I grew up on a farm in Illinois where my father taught me the pride of working with my hands and my grandfather, who made wooden shoes in Belgium, passed on his talent for working with wood. I am primarily self-taught and have been carving for nearly 40 years. I owe my start in woodcarving to my seventh grade shop teacher. He gave me a cutout of a swan and handed me a pocket knife. That was the start of my love for wood carving.

My wife, Kathy, and I enjoy historic events where I demonstrate wood carving or coopering while she hand pieces quilts.

I have won many awards for my relief scenes and chose to start making eagles to put my girls through college. My oldest daughter, Lisa, is working on her doctorate in English. Emily, my second daughter, graduated with degrees in vocal performance and communications. Karen, my youngest daughter, is working on a master's degree in fashion history.

Your purchase of my work is greatly appreciated by my girls.