Stone for me is very exciting, it’s alive and it has a spirit and life of its own. For the past 25 years I have been exploring the “life of stone”. At first, I did this only with hand tools. Then, as I started working on larger pieces, I decided to use pneumatic tools for roughing out the stone. I’m very glad I spent the first 10 years using only hand tools. It showed me the way of the stone. I developed a relationship and passion for the stone that I otherwise would not have had.

The act of carving for me can be very deliberate and thought out or it can be totally free, with no idea in mind as to the direction I might go. The latter is very exciting and magical in that it is always a mystery as to what will emerge. I love having stone line the walls of my studio, like spirits in disguise.

I enjoy the resistance that stone gives me just as life resists when I push too hard. The real challenge is to make my stone pieces appear soft and sensuous with very simple, elegant lines—the art of “Shubui”.

I have ventured into bronze in the last 15 years using my stone pieces as the model for each bronze that I do. I think because of my relationship with stone, when I cast a piece in bronze, the spirit and power are still very present.

Inspiration comes to me in many forms, through nature, which makes my thoughts and feelings soar. It opens me and in doing so I can create. Animals are another source of inspiration for they are our salvation and without them we will become lost and empty. The tragedies and joys in life touch me as well and push me to create. There is a spirit that runs through all that I carve and I would like you to feel that spirit. Hopefully it will enhance your life.

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