The instruments I’ve been building since 1981 are broadly based in the musical forms of Africa, Oceania and the ancient Americas.

Through years of experimentation and actual practice, I have applied precise structural and finishing techniques with my creative design elements to produce truly unique and enjoyable instruments.

This Lacewood soundboard has a figured acoustic hole. The gourd is carved and burnished and sewn with beads and stones. It comes with metal display stand. Clicking the image provides a close-up.

In my work, I strive to preserve those elements of ancient cultures that connect us with the rhythms of life and inspire us to create: sensual forms, natural materials, visual imagery, primitive, soothing sounds….  I hope that by combining art and music, sculpture and sound, my pieces have become healing objects for our eyes, ears, and spirit.

Click the image at the left for more detail. The Bubinga soundboard has figured acoustic holes. The gourd resonator is carved and sewn with African glass trade beads. It is displayed on a gourd stand, which has also been carved.

I am proud to offer the finest mbiras and percussion instruments of this kind available on the market today, and stand behind the quality, craftmanship and integrity of the materials I use in each of my pieces. Thank you for supporting my lifelong passion.

Awards

• Best in Show, MeccaFest, Carrollton, GA, Oct. 2010
• Best New Artist, Historic Shaw Art Fair, St. Louis, MO, Oct. 2002
• Second Place, SONO Arts Celebration, So. Norwalk, CT, Aug. 2002
• Third Place, Fine Crafts, ArtiGras, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Feb. 2000
• Presidential Award, American Music Therapy Assoc, Littleton, CO Project, Nov. 1999
• Purchase Awards, Kentucky Festival of the Arts, Northport, AL, Oct. 1999
• Honorable Mention, Tenn. Craft Fair Exhibition, Andrew Glasgow juror, May 1999
• Honorable Mention, Tenn. Craft Fair Exhibition, Lloyd Herman juror, May 1998
• Finalist - NEA/Southern Arts Federation Craft Fellowships, 1995/1996
• Award of Excellence, 1st prize - Laumeier Art Fair, St. Louis, MO, 1996
• First Prize Gallery Eight Art Auction, WDCN Nashville, TN, Oct 1998
• First Prize - Sculpture, Smithville National Fiddlers’ Jamboree, TN, 1999
• Second Prize - Mixed Media, Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, 1995
• Media Award - Main Street Festival, Franklin, TN, 1996
• Judges’ Award - Great Gulf coast Arts Festival, Pensacola, FL, 1995
• First Prize - Best of 3-D, Memphis Arts Festival, TN, 1994

Gallery Shows and Events

• "Interpretations" creative response to 9/11 – The Georgia Trust @ the ACC Craft Show, Alanta, GA, March 2002
• "Recreation/Recreation: Fun with Found Objects" – Noyes Museum of Art, Oceanville, NJ, Jan.-April 2002
• "Futureman's Indigenous Planet" - Drum and Percussion Workshop, Nashville, TN, March 2001
• "Harmonic Journey" - 2 person show w/ Raymond Carr – Rose Center, Morristown, TN, Jan. 1999
• "The Best of Tennessee Crafts" - touring Apr. 1998-Jan. 1999; also in 1996, and in 1994
• "Art for the Musical Heart" - Art Independent Gallery, WI, Aug. 1996
• "Spotlight ‘95" - ACC Southeast, touring, 1995-1996
• "Best of the Guild" – Michigan Guild, Ann Arbor, MI, June 1995
• "Spirit Talk Mbira" – Greater Nashville Arts Foundation, Nashville, TN, Jan.-April 1995
• "Masks & Mirrors" - Gallery 500, PA, Nov-Dec. 1994
• "Fourth World Musique Meets Cote D’Ivorie" - Commission pieces for performance artist Tim McKay, Memphis in May International Festival, 1994
• "Tune In" - Gallery I/O, New Orleans, April-June, 1994
• "Instrumentals" - Mindscape Gallery, IL, Dec 1991
• "Wood 1991" - Stones Gallery at Kilohana, Hawaii
• "Sound Arts" - Vista Fine Crafts, VA, 1989
• "The Music Makers" - The Dairy Barn, Athens, OH, 1988

• Featured in Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Electronic Musician, Experimental Musical Instruments, and Drum Business magazines.
• Featured on "Tennessee Crossroads", WDCN Nashville, TN, program #1032, 1996.
• Tennessee Magazine cover story, July 2000.