My journey into woodworking was a twisted one. I was a teacher for about 40 years, teaching biology and anatomy & physiology in high school and at a college. As a teacher, I made special storage cabinets for computers in the early 80’s to protect them from student damage, but still allow their use. My BS in biology and chemistry and Master’s degree in cell biology allowed me to work for the USC School of Dentistry - Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology.  There I published numerous scientific papers and presented my research in the US and in around the world.  I started making long range fishing tackle boxes in 2000.  There are over 100 of these heirloom wooden creations at sea today.  They are very strongly built and will surely outlive me.  That work got me hooked as a woodworker.

In the Gallery And Gifts, you’ll find many items made by me covering a great diversity throughout the store.  I am known as the Gallery pen turner with hundreds of elegant pens in stock.  I make many kinds of cutting boards, cheese, slicers, razors, razor sets, rings, bread, knives, seam rippers and keychains.  Most are made from exotic wood from around the world. I also like to use my laser cutter/engraver to make wooden coasters and ornaments.  Not allowed at the Gallery are the numerous 3D printed items I sell at craft fairs.  I like the challenge of learning new machines and 3D printers keep your brain thinking.  So far I have three 3D printers and they are busy as is the rest of my well-equipped wood shop.  In all of these endeavors I am self taught though YouTube can be very helpful these days.  Usually if I want to make something new I just think about it, make it and improve on the the next one.