Falling in love with traditional Pennsylvania German folk art, I treasured the vibrant colors, forms and symbols that have made this a unique art form. The personal loving touch that inspired multiple generations became infectious and has inspired me.
With a love of antiques and folk sculptures, I explored the creation of these works for myself. I collected Pennsylvania carvings and studied the methods and techniques of those original objects from past masters and contemporary Pennsylvania artisans. Since 2004, I started to carve and create a style of my own. Working with a single chip carving knife, I carve sculptures and whimsies from figures I draw directly on the wood. I then prepare the wood and paint multiple layers to make each a one of a kind work. I have been influenced by many of Pennsylvania’s most treasured folk artists. Wilhelm Schimmel, "Schtolschnitzler" Simmons and Aaron Mountz are just three of the major ones while their contemporaries are also studied. Other influences include the pottery sculptures of Solomon Bell and his brothers. I am a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. I have also been honored to be in the Early American Life Magazine's Directory of Traditional American Crafts as one of the best traditional artists in America for 2023, 2022, 2020, and 2019. |
In August of 2023, I was again honored to be listed in the
Early American Life Magazine's Directory of Traditional American Crafts Artists In August of 2022, I was honored to be listed in the
Early American Life Magazine's Directory of Traditional American Crafts Artists 2020 listed in the Early American Life Magazine's Directory of Traditional American Crafts Artists
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