Michael began carving spoons in early 2018. An empty nest had opened up time for him to pursue creative endeavors alongside his career in technology. His initial exposure was at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle. He continues to be involved at Pratt helping coordinate the Seattle Spoon Club. He has expanded his repertoire to other kitchen items including rolling pins, server trays, and charcuterie boards though his primary focus is his spoons.
The spoon work is done primarily with kiln dried hardwoods of domestic and imported wood varieties. Occasionally, subject to availability, local woods are used. The wood is worked entirely by hand once rough cut to shape with a band saw. Bowls are carved with a gouge, shaping is done with various kinds of rasps, scrapers, and micro planes. Spoons go through an extensive sanding phase and are simply finished with walnut oil. Michael spends a great deal of time in the kitchen and his inspiration is to make spoons that are practical but also have a distinctive and elegant character. These hand-crafted spoons are crafted to be pleasing to hold and to behold.
