Creativity has always been a part of my life. From macrame and hammock making to sculptured sand candles, I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. My journey into leatherwork began when I received a kit as a teenager, but it wasn’t until I took a job painting water towers on the road as a newlywed that I truly immersed myself in the craft. With long hours of downtime, I needed something to keep me engaged, and leatherworking quickly became my passion.

Eager to learn as much as possible, I completed the Al Stohlman Home Study Course and helped to restart the Pitt Pounders Leather Guild, where I served in every leadership role—including 11 years as President. Over the years, I have attended and hosted Leather Guild Shows, learning from some of the most talented leatherworkers in the country. Today, after serving as the President of the Raleigh Leatherworkers Guild for 12 years, I’m now the Vice President, where I continue to teach and learn alongside a community of skilled artisans.

After spending more than 50 years just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I now reside outside Raleigh, North Carolina, with my wife of over 40 years, Jennifer. My work is inspired by the beauty, power, and complexity of God’s creation, particularly the wildlife we’ve encountered on our adventures. Using leather as my canvas, I strive to recreate these awe-inspiring moments—whether through intricate feather carving or painstakingly detailed fur textures, each piece is a labor of love.

Much of my inspiration comes from spending time outdoors in places like Grand Teton National Park (our favorite), Yellowstone, Glacier, and Sedona. Every hike, every encounter with wildlife, fuels my creativity and deepens my appreciation for the natural world. Through my work, I aim to capture these moments not only for myself but also for others who cherish their own experiences with nature’s magnificent creatures.

When I’m not working on a new leather piece or out exploring, you might find me volunteering at the American Wildlife Refuge, our local raptor rehabilitation center. Whether I’m cleaning cages, educating visitors, or releasing a rehabilitated bird back into the wild, I consider it a privilege to be a good steward of God’s creation.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. If you have any questions or would like a closer look at my art, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to connect—unless, of course, I’m off hiking in the Tetons or discovering another beautiful corner of God’s creation.

For more about my journey and process, check out my interview with the John C. Campbell Folk School: Read Here