I have been around various forms of woodworking for most of my life.  In high school I was introduced to the lathe and was instantly fascinated with this tool.  I bought my first lathe in 1997 and began teaching myself how to turn.  Shortly after I started turning I suffered an injury to my arm that would put my turning career on hold.  After surgery on my arm in the spring of 2000 and a year of physiotherapy I decided it was time to start turning again.  I began by turning some simple bowls as most woodturners do.  I met John Beese who was teaching a woodturning class at KMS Tools, so I signed up. During the class John suggested that I attend the local woodturners guild meeting.  During my first visit I was warmly welcomed by several members of the guild.  There were a few tables set up as an instant gallery where members could display their work.  I was in awe of the quality of the pieces as the creativity and talent were evident.  That evening I joined the Greater Vancouver Woodturners Guild.  I have been an active member since 2001.  I am also a member of the American Association of Woodturners.