I first picked up pyrography in a Connecticut high school art class, where it began as a series of simple doodles. Before long, those early burn marks evolved into detailed portraits of the musicians who shaped my world, icons of the grunge era like Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley, whose raw emotion still echoes through much of my work today.

But just as much as music, the outdoors has always been my compass. I’m a hiker at heart, most at peace on a quiet trail, surrounded by trees, stone, and the steady rhythm of my own footsteps. Over the years, I’ve traveled to different landscapes, collecting stones along the way, drawn to their textures, weight, and hidden stories. Tumbling them revealed their inner beauty, and that process eventually led me to jewelry making.

That connection to nature continues to guide my art. Wood, with its grain and imperfections, feels alive beneath the pen, each piece offering its own terrain to explore. Many of my designs are inspired by what I’ve seen and felt outdoors: mountain lines, forest patterns, the quiet geometry of nature, and the sense of stillness you can only find far from noise.

Music still plays a central role in my life, especially through live shows and festivals, where energy and community come together in a way that feels almost elemental. That same spirit often finds its way into my work, blending the rawness of sound with the grounding presence of nature.

Today, I create a wide range of pieces, from nature scenes and geometric designs to portraits and music-inspired artwork. Many are burned freehand, while others begin as sketches or hand-cut stencils that I design myself. Every piece is made by hand; no lasers, just patience, intention, and a steady flame.

Whether it’s a custom piece or something that simply speaks to you, my goal is to create work that feels grounded, personal, and alive, like something you might carry home from a long hike.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work.

When I’m not burning wood, I’m juggling life as a dad to a teen and a tween in Salem, Connecticut, a proud English/Human Rights teacher in East Hartford, Connecticut, and an enthusiastic community volunteer- different tools, same steady hand.