I grew up on a farm in west central Indiana. The farm was located between Turkey Run State Park and The Shades State Park on Sugar Creek. With few children my age within walking distance to the farm, my brothers and I found pleasure and adventure in the 100 plus acres of woods. The trees and streams were our playground and provided endless hours of entertainment. That was the beginning of my appreciation of wood.

Wood has a softness and warmth like no other material. It also has a hidden beauty that cannot be seen until the artist releases the unusual grain or the fungus of the start of decay that causes the spalting of the wood. So many variations between one sample and another that each log that I bring home is sure to surprise and delight.

Working wood in the autumn of my life reminds me of my youth when I would run in the woods without a care in the world or lie on the floor of the woods and look up into the tree tops and dream of tomorrow. Now more than ever I look forward to walking the woods to find wind blown limbs and trees down on the woods floor. Each find is a treasure to behold and I see projects in the wood that have not yet been released. Each defect is a bonus that should be enhanced and emphasized and embellished.

My work must be not only seen but more importantly felt.


Daniel Moore