with many high schoolers of the 50's and 60's, my formal wood education began in shop class. Then real life intruded, and although I continued an informal love affair with wood and woodworking, the years rolled by - college (BA Philosophy), wife, Army (Vietnam), profession (horse photographer), and midlife corrections (but same wife!). The wood flame was rekindled in 1986 when I added a lathe to my wood shop tool inventory. Aspirations soon revealed my ignorance, so I attended my first turning workshop in 1987, and the magic of beauty in found wood was revealed to me. Here was a process that encompassed material, skill, form, logic, artistry, tools, and not deferred gratification. The orgy had begun! The pattern of workshops served to expand my skills and expectations, and collecting at craft shows and galleries brought substance to my newfound passion. Each teacher was selected to lead me down a new path of interest and exploration, and I sponged from their experience and bought their objects as wondrous souvenirs. I learned to make many of my own tools and see the potential beauty in wood all around me.

Jamie Donaldson