I literally grew up in a massive Cherry tree in our backyard in New York State. I started working with wood at a very early age, my brother and I creating a Craftsman's Club for the local neighborhood kids and having access to our Dad's wood shop in the basement, along with a lot of tools we ruined-and the massive table saw that was always plugged in! Trees and wood were one of my loves. Along with the Visual Arts. Drawing was always a thing for me, as well as creative writing. I'm primarily self taught, although I was vocationally being trained as a Union Carpenter during-high school, then a successful self employed -business owner; Carpenter/Contractor for decades. I honed my skills working on custom remodeling projects-most of which I designed and built. From frame to finish, custom cabinets, and built-ins. After leaving the trades, I became a Facilities Manager for a Denver Non-Profit. In the late fall and long winters of Colorado's Mountains-I have had time to focus on my true passion of creating custom furniture and craft.  One of my biggest interests is history. I have amassed a large collection of books on furniture styles and methods and inspirations. My most soul churning inspiration is the New Mexican vernacular of furniture. I have been touched by New Mexico in a way (if you know-you know) since spending time there at 17 for literally a life changing experience. My faith, the one I was born into-also plays a part in my creativity and passion for working wood. I consider it a meditation, and it sends me in a definitive direction on occasions. I would like to focus and solidify my direction and process in the future. Designing, planning, drawing-instead of just allowing myself to wing-it, or just allow that passion and flow to define the piece for me. That being said-I don't follow any paint finish rules! The finishes on my decorative pieces are unto themselves and speak to whomever "notices". Pine and its cousin species are a very pleasing component for me. It brings me back to my beginnings, the smell of the shop and its workability. I prefer to use the many hand tools I've acquired.  Although-I do operate a "hybrid" shop, using power tools when necessary-and completely powered from the Sun. I have recently discovered hardwoods. I find them a pleasure to work with. Lastly- I believe the environment in which wood comes from-is the most valuable component of the furniture making process-and its beauty and durability derived from it- should be respected above all. Thank you! Gregg