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Dan was born on
a farm in west central Indiana. The farm had over 100 acres of woods and became
his playground. The inspiration for his work and the way he lives his life all
came from those early years playing and working in those woods.
He developed a great appreciation for the
trees and the wood that they produced.
"No other material has the feel and look of wood ... it has a softness and
warmth unlike any other material," he says. "To be able to transfer a fallen
tree into something of use or just beauty to be admired is my passion."
Artist's Statement
Much of the wood that I use would be considered damaged. "Spalted" wood is from
trees that have been in contact with the ground for around three years. A fungus
invades the wood and creates black lines in the wood. This is the first stage of
decay. Ambrosia beetles attach a maple tree and cause a discoloration in the
wood. These and other defects can create unusual and beautiful markings in the
wood that are both highly sought after by wood turners like myself. Much of the
pleasure of my work comes from looking for and finding those rare woods in the
playground of my youth. |
