I began woodworking as a self-taught hobby by making furniture for the homes of family and friends from project plans and eventually evolved to making my own original designs.  Norm Abrams was a big influence in my early woodworking days through his books and TV show, The New Yankee Workshop.  As I spent more and more time making furniture, I realized that woodworking was becoming a passion and began considering a career change.  My career spanned over 30 years dedicated to science & chemistry, including a chemistry doctorate and 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry.  In 2012 I decided to leave the financial security of the corporate world to pursue woodworking and create Alchemy WoodShop.

The elegant simplicity of the Shaker style as well as the superb craftsmanship of Mission forms are very attractive to me and you will see those design elements as a recurring theme in my work.  Alchemy WoodShop is named in homage not only to my chemistry background but also to my mid-life transition and my love for the transformation of raw wood to functional, well designed finished pieces.  The Alchemy theme is also well represented in everything I make with my spirit ingrained in each piece: quality, attention-to-detail, and a commitment to honor the natural beauty of the wood.  One of my goals for Alchemy WoodShop is the creation of a diverse and evolving line of home furnishings, décor & kitchenware wood products, hopefully each unique in some way that reflects my personality, that people will find joy in giving to themselves or others as cherished gifts.

My wife Jackie and I absolutely love living in the eclectic village of Kelly, WY with our dog Finn and 2 cats Loki and Jasper. 

I’ve been working with wood for 30+ years primarily self-taught with a few formal courses along the way.  My portfolio consists of furniture and home décor accessories that are influenced by the elegant simplicity of the Shaker style and the superb craftsmanship of Mission designs.  I have a fondness for Arts & Craft and Asian elements as well.  There is no pretense in my work.  My pieces are not art but craft and are beautiful in their own purpose:  to be functional in everyday use and to bring joy to their users.  But it is more than a utilitarian style.  I take great care to ensure that all of my work is aesthetically pleasing through design and materials choices such that the finished pieces honor the inherent natural beauty of the wood.  My work is purposefully designed to be accessible to people who value and appreciate the beauty of unique, handcrafted work.