Trees have always had a grounding effect on me. My parents were very busy being professional artists when I was growing up, so I found solace playing in the dunes of northwest Indiana and Michigan where trees were my constant companions.

Likewise, I’ve always had a fascination with rocks; what kid doesn’t?! Whether gathering crinoid fossils along the shores of Lake Michigan, Petoskey stones along Grand Traverse Bay, or picking rocks up in the mountains of Colorado—rocks and minerals really lit me up! 

I’ve taken these two loves and combined them in my sculpture. My bronze trees, mounted on natural mineral specimens, mimic bonsais as well as those found in nature. I am immensely humbled that I get to wake up each day, turn on my torch, and work on creating my interpretation of an incredible tree which can be enjoyed for generations.