Although born in New York, I have spent half of my life in Ireland. I always loved the rugged west coast of Ireland and knew I would settle there for good one day. While in New York, I owned and managed a Landscape Design & Build company for 17 years. During this time, as a way to unwind after hectic days in the city, I took up woodworking as a serious pastime. I had always been drawn to working with wood, and though my free time was scarce, I took numerous classes at Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking. These classes were taught by many of the best instructors from across the country.

In 2013 I returned to Ireland with my wife and son after selling my business. Shortly after this, I earned a degree in Furniture Making at GMIT Letterfrack, where I received a distinction.  I now build furniture in my workshop in Westport, County Mayo.

GMIT asked me to to design and make a gift for President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. The inscription on the front was taken from a poem written by Michael D in 2014. This desk organizer is featured in my portfolio.

 

The Prophets are Weeping

To those on the road it is reported that

The Prophets are weeping,

At the abuse

Of their words,

Scattered to sow an evil seed.

Rumour has it that,

The Prophets are weeping,

At their texts distorted,

The death and destruction,

Imposed in their name.

The sun burns down,

On the children who are crying,

On the long journeys repeated,

Their questions not answered.

Mothers and Fathers hide their faces,

Unable to explain,

Why they must endlessly,

No end in sight,

Move for shelter,

for food, for safety, for hope.

The Prophets are weeping,

For the words that have been stolen,

From texts that once offered,

To reveal in ancient times,

A shared space,

Of love and care,

Above all for the stranger.

M.D.H. 2014