Having studied and worked in the medium of stone and wood carving before designing glass sculpture and objects for Steuben Glass for the past 18 years continuing into the present, I presently engage with carving on the scaled down tableau of the cast belt buckle and also jewelry. My inspiration arises from the natural world and wildlife. I’m influenced by the character and dignity of animal life especially as it relates to human emotions. Encapsulate those previous thoughts in the process of carving a hard material and the essence of what you’re after comes to life; a swimming fish, a soaring bird, a pointing dog, a prowling bear – all in the service of art. I carve hard jeweler’s wax and also model soft sculptor’s wax, both for lost wax casting. While I design and sculpt the buckle or piece of jewelry by hand, I have help in the casting of the pieces and then I finish them by hand and apply individual patinas for effect. I also put an emphasis on collaborating with sportsmen/conservationists to raise funds for conservation causes. For example, I design a buckle, a well known person in their field will lend their signature and a limited edition is created to raise needed funds for conservation groups. Giving back is as important to me as my life surrounded by the work of making art.