I often begin my carvings with a pattern — just as generations of heritage craftsmen did before me. A pattern is simply a starting point, much like a paint‑by‑number color map. It provides structure, but it does not define the art. The art begins the moment I pick up my Foredom or Dremel rotary tool. Every cut, every texture, and every decision is mine.

As I carve, I interpret the subject in my own way — adding details, adjusting shapes, and bringing out the character of the wood. When it comes time to paint, I treat the colors the same way: a guide, not a rule. I may antique tones, shift hues, or add highlights to create atmosphere and depth. Patterns do not limit creativity. They focus it. My work is rooted in Nova Scotia heritage, and I carve in the same tradition as the craftsmen who built boats, homes, tools, and folk art across this province. The pattern is the map, and the art carving is the journey.