I started by collecting old dune fence from beaches on Long Beach Island. I used the old dune fence to make a few small boxes and to frame some of my own photographs as gifts for friends and family members. My first frames were made while attending Unity College in Maine. In my senior year I was assigned a project for my environmental stewardship class to leave a legacy at the school. I chose to f
rame photos that I took of the school while studying there. I framed them using the salvaged dune fence. The piece was hung in a hallway outside a classroom. After college I returned to work in New Jersey and then I started framing my own photographs of my work with rare wildlife in New Jersey. Many were sold at fundraisers for the organization I work for: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. During this time I’ve begun to become quite the collector of salvaged wood. While at work or play I always keep my eye out for anything that I think could be re-purposed. I also collect wood to help reduce this type of materials out of the waste stream. Some estimates but construction and wood waste at 28% of the waste stream. I've collected a bunch of salvaged wood throughout southern and coastal NJ. From old cedar fencing collected at Dennisville Fence to tongue and groove cedar that was salvaged from my friend’s house in Barnegat Light when he decided to remodel. I love working with salvaged wood because of it’s history and wear/tear. I some cases it can tell a story of its past use. All materials that I sell are hand made in New Gretna, NJ. The salvaged wood that I find is re-purposed or “upcycled” into very unique wood frames, furniture, and other treasures.
