The biography.

In 2000, I started “Gossamer Steel Metal Works” to create one-of-a-kind and custom works in metal. Along the way, I have been developing my skills as an artist, designer, welder, fabricator, metalsmith, patineur, and small-business operator. The word gossamer refers to a material that is extremely delicate, airy, fine, and light; I feel that my artistic style brings these qualities into a unique juxtaposition with the metal's strength and durability.

In 1999, I took a workshop called “Metal Working for the Artisan” and felt an immediate connection to the medium.  I bought my own welding equipment and rented a rare old barn in the middle of Vancouver and began what would become my passion and my livelihood.

I eventually became a certified welder and 3-D Designer, but for the first 4 years I was self-taught in my new craft and trade; this period of experimentation allowed me to home in on my own style and discover what attracts me most to working with metal. While I have always enjoyed the problem-solving required in the welding and fabrication process of 3-D designs, my creativity is drawn more to creating beauty on the 2-D surface of the metal. Working with metal's unique ability to change colour and reflect light, I approach a sheet of metal much like a painter would approach a blank canvas but instead of paintbrushes, I use torches and grinders and instead of paints I use chemical patinas and dyes. The result is a luminous piece of art with the captivating illusion of three-dimensional layering and movement.