I am inspired by the natural world and possess a deep curiosity about plants and animals. This reverence for the great outdoors compels me to re-create the magic I feel when I discover objects of natural wonder. Things that often captivate me are the common objects I might find daily. A colorful leaf, a unique stone, or a beautiful flower are examples of things that hold the most intrigue for me. They contain a certain allure which motivates me to keep them as mementos and inspires me to create my artwork. My work usually begins with an interesting item I found in the forest. I use the item to design a series of works inspired by the object. First, I choose the species of wood I find most suitable for my subject. As I carve, I play with the grain, form, and color to re-create the allure that draws me to a seemingly commonplace object. The goal of my work is to convey that everyday natural objects, which most observers would deem too ordinary to be interesting, are actually quite captivating. Thus, I create things that are meant to adorn: jewelry, ornaments, candle holders, etc., using natural found objects as inspiration. Items of adornment make perfect conveyances to elicit from others my concept that natural objects, however ordinary they may seem, are worthy of attention. I believe many people have lost their ability to marvel at nature. I want to help my audience recover some of that lost appreciation of the natural world through my work. When they see and touch my work, I want them to share the amazement at what miracles nature bestows on us even in the simplest of settings.