John became interested in woodturning through visits to various galleries in the High Country of North Carolina where he became aware that turning is an art. His desire to follow in the footsteps of well-known area turners prompted him to begin learning the intricacies of the craft.

In 2003, John became owner of a four times “hand-me-down” lathe and he was hooked. Unfortunately, this lathe did not last very long and gave up life after he had turned only two small mushrooms.

Not to be discouraged, John went on to acquire a bigger and better equipment and to take turning lessons from famed woodturner Alan Hollar. He also joined the North Carolina Woodturners Association. Both outlets gave him a great opportunity to learn more about the art.

John is past president of the North Carolina Woodturners Association and has served as Assistant Instructor in Woodturning at John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, NC. He has items on display in several galleries in North Carolina and Virginia. He also participates in the annual Lakeside Artist Studio Tour held in October in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina.