have been a teacher and a Federal executive and I've always been an artist. Wood is my primary medium and although I've explored a host of alternatives to express myself artistically, the influences from working with exotic woods in my father's novelty jewelry factory as a child remain quite strong. I attended the New York School of Industrial Arts, was exposed to the rudiments of commercial art and industrial design, which, in turn, furthered my interest in designing and making things. After two and a half years in the Army (two years in New Guinea) during World War II, I did some art and craft work operating from my brother's wood shop in Southern Maryland, producing everything from signs to picture frames, restoring church statuary and, not incidentally, making furniture.

While in college (George Washington University and Corcoran School of Art, BA 1951 and GWU, MA 1953) and as an Art Teacher in Arlington County, VA, I continued to pursue my interest in woodworking and art and supplemented my income in so doing. During my stint as an art teacher, a colleague and I developed a course of study which we called "Applied Design": the use of principles of art in the selection, use, and/or creation of everyday objects. Again, not incidentally, the course included lessons in designing furniture and making models thereof.

After six years of teaching (the most gratifying and stimulating work of my lifetime), I left to join the Federal Civil Service for financial reasons. During my twenty-four years as a civil servant in the Food and Drug Administration and the Public Health Service, I attained the highest levels possible as a career employee and received the most prestigious awards and honors, but I never abandoned my creative pursuits. I always had a shop and studio and stayed current with the design world through reading, research and hands-on activity. The custom designed furniture in our household is a worthy testament to what can be accomplished in one's spare time.