After receiving a degree in graphic design from Denver University I returned to the Midwest pursuing what I initially thought was to be a career in the business I was trained for - using acquired skills in layout, typography, and illustration for the field of advertising.
Over the next few years however, as I became increasingly disenchanted with this situation I began spending much of my free time exploring the designs found in nature through photography with a special interest in close up work.
A career change enabled me to continue calling on my layout ability as I began designing and executing dimensional wood signage as well as providing decorative relief carving, drawing inspiration as well as practical lessons from nature.
The mandala leaf wall sculpture series viewed here, as with events in my past, is centered around the complex, ever changing, and inspiring images found in the natural world. With an endless variety of leaves and an opportunity to work with reclaimed cypress and redwood I have used etching, woodworking and carving experience from my other craft to sculpt these individualized art pieces.

The following describes development and detailing of my mandala wall sculpture series.
Mandala leaf wall sculptures are created utilizing an 18 step process beginning with wood selection and milling through design to final finish. The word mandala is Sanskrit meaning “magical circle.” Using this concept as a starting point these art pieces have evolved combining words and leaf forms - some symmetrical - others organic.
Representing interests spanning 3 decades they apply a close kinship to and observation of the natural world, reclaiming and reworking wood from ancient trees plus a blend of technology and artisan skills.
Pieces of bald cypress and redwood are geometrically fashioned, etched and carved allowing organic inconsistencies to serve as reminders of the wood’s former life as a water tank used atop buildings for fire protection.
Each sculpture is then finished with a clear water based satin resulting in each piece being a unique artistic statement showcasing the beauty of wood from trees that grew 400-800 years ago.