I have been a professional Woodturner for most of my adult life. I have specialized in making bowls  and other utilitarian items. Instead of telling you my history and scholastic achievements, I would like to thank all of you that have made it possible for me to be a professional craftsman. I would especially like to thank Dale Nish and Richard Raffan for their wise guidance throughout my career. It has been very hard work but a very fortunate lifestyle. I would encourage all young people to follow a path they choose and not let society dictate what they do.

For more information on attending Mike's classes, see the workshop info sheet or the events section on my web page.

Here is an artist statement I used for the Smithsonian when I did show's there. I think this sums it up:
"I am passionate about my craft and the American Craft movement.  I am dedicated to producing quality craft and educating the public about woodturning.  My wood comes from urban sources (tree trimmers and local cities). I produce all my work on the lathe without any emblellishments after the fact, creating a very traditional feel with contemporary ideas.  I want my work to be attractive as well as useful.    For my work to be admired is one thing, but for my work to be used fulfills my purpose as a craftsman." 

"Americans will habitually prefer the useful to the beautiful and they will require that the beautiful be useful." 
-  Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America (1840)