Making runs in my family. My mom had a strong artistic streak and her creative expression left a lasting mark. She explored portraiture with charcoal and pencils, painting, stained glass, needlepoint, and crochet, among many art forms. Her stained glass in particular was inspired and I proudly display my favorite at home.
In my professional life I work in IT. It’s a great fit for someone like me who’s a maker at heart. In the same way that I enjoy exploring systems, I similarly delight in the same application of curiosity, inventiveness and problem solving to my creative outlets.
I spent a decade earlier in life doing business as MikeyMoto Leather, developing my skills with leathercraft. I learned to make patterns, cut, emboss, tool and dye vegetable tanned leather, and apply a strong saddle stitch. Most of my work was custom made to order. Leatherwork was a great outlet for me, and was borne of a personal need. In the beginning I needed a sheath and found that all the makers were fully booked; I’d have to wait months to get a sheath for my knife. Instead I decided to pick up the tools and make one for myself. I’m proud of everything I learned, and especially proud of the delight I brought people through my creations.
Since 2021 I’m doing business as Black Lodge Creative and switched my primary toolset to 3D design and manufacturing using 3D printers. If I can imagine it, I can design and make it. I’ve brought 3D modeling to my various hobbies for myself first and for others second. When I make a design I think others would like, I sell them in my shop.
