Having long been an admirer of artistic forms and the beauty of wood Mary began wood turning in 1999, studying under nationally renowned wood turners, John Jordan, Todd Hoyer, and Michael Lee. She fell in love with the idea of shaping a beautiful bowl, vase or sculpture out of a log that would otherwise rot or be used as firewood.

After a 20-year career in accounting, “It was time to give the other side of the brain a chance”, asserts Mary. Using a lathe and various carving techniques, she creates bowls, vessels, and three-dimensional sculptures out of wood. Recalling her first forays into woodturning, Mary comments,” I had never stepped up to a lathe with a log spinning at high speed, so my first experiences in class were embarrassing, frustrating and often comical. But at the same time totally mesmerizing and addicting.” That addiction has created amazing works of art utilizing the natural textures and patterns inherent in the wood.

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