Carving came about as a result of getting older. In March I will be 85 and I am not as agile as I was when I built furniture, so carving allowed me to work with wood in a much less arduous way, while allowing me to continue to create and make shavings.

All of my carving tools are centrally located, so movement is curtailed. My shoulders are such that I use mostly power carving equipment . I am richly blessed to be able to continue my woodworking which began 60 years ago when we were married and living in our first home.

I carve mostly abstracts. I am not skilled enough to do realism. I get so much joy from carving and turning that I really do not miss furniture making as much. I will be quick to add that furniture making is my first love.

Mesquite carved bowl.

Mesquite carved fish from a single piece found in West Texas.

My first carving, circa 2002. This eagle is walnut and is 40 inches wide; my friends did not believe I would start with such a large piece.