For most of my adult life I have been a full-time artisan (artist-craftsman). Whereas my formal education is in social sciences, my working education has been all self-taught, resulting in a "Degree of Understanding" from the School of Trial and Error. My first fourteen years of work were devoted to pottery; I have been working with wood since 1991. I have chosen the circuitous route of being self-taught because it is the exploring and the delightful surprise of learning that draws me on year after year. Equally important is my desire that the physical end-product of my journey would be an authentic reflection of the interaction between me and the materials. For this same reason I maintain a "one man and a dog" shop, so as not to be distracted by others. As a result, I frequently hear from customers, "I've never seen anything like it..." This confirms to me that the long way around has been worth it.

Currently this exploration has led me to the creation of illuminated are in the form of sculptural lighting, lamps and sconces. I am perfecting techniques of working plastics for custom lenses both sculptural and practical. I am playing with brass and copper as accent elements and touch pads. Handmade paper and its endless options regularly entice me away from the wood shop. Most of my work incorporates variable light settings and touch-control switching. Part of the fun of these pieces is discovering the switch and then experiencing how the ambience changes with each setting.

My greatest wish is that my work would speak for itself. I hope that the balance and harmony of each design will quietly call to you and invite you to pause and peacefully experience what I have created.

My work presents the intrinsic beauty of nature in an understated form. As an artist, I combine and juxtapose complementary materials that accent and enhance one another. As a craftsman, I build each piece as an heirloom.

My lamps feature handmade papers that include leaves, fibers, and other natural materials, permanently sealed to ensure longevity. Some lamps feature hand-formed plexiglass lenses; others are built with carefully interlocking panels. Most have three-way touch-control switches of individually formed reticulated brass, providing both ambience and functional lighting.

My boxes, wall cabinets, and other fine wooden accessories are all original designs featuring exquisite woods, fluid curves, and fine details. Some pieces are steamed and bent, others are inlaid or laminated. Many combine wood with other natural materials, such as bone, stone, or metal. Every piece is finished by hand with precise attention to detail of fit and finish.

--	, Terrene Creations, Silverton Oregon

©Copyright 1991-2007 by Terrene Creations