“Raised in New York’s Greenwich Village during the 1960’s, my early years were spent soaking in the artistic environment of that unique time and place. Music was everywhere, and I spent 16 years making my living as a professional pianist.

I moved to San Francisco in 1989, and discovered computer programming, which became my day job. I started experimenting with furniture-making in my down time. Woodworking soon became my main passion. I’ve always loved creating things, and the attention to detail that it requires reminds me very much of composing music. Having a beautiful object after working on something for many days or weeks gives a great sense of accomplishment.

All the wood I use is found in local woodpiles; I salvage and reclaim wood from trees that were already felled, and am always looking for interesting grain and bark to incorporate into my designs. My woodworking shop is in my spacious garage. I’ve been working there since 2003, and for the last five years have focused almost exclusively on woodturning.

In 2015, I decided that it was time to say goodbye to my engineering career and devote myself full-time to woodworking. I hope you enjoy my work.” – Dean Burris, 2016