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moves and shifts, the patterns the light throws across
a wall — it's alive in a way that never gets old.
There's also something about the slow, deliberate
nature of handcrafting that I really lean into. Stained
glass in particular demands my full attention. It can't
really be rushed (unless you have a good stack of ban-
daids) and each step requires real chunks of time. For
someone who works in the fast-moving, always-iterat-
ing world of digital design, there's something ground-
ing about a craft that sets its own pace. And being here
in a mountain town makes it easy to tune in and match
that pace, too.
There's a bit of magic in everything; even scrap wood
or hand-me-down stained glass can be transformed
into art. And it's more than just a crafting philosophy.
Burl theory applies to how I strive to live my life. It's a
reminder to look closer, find beauty in the unexpected,
and honor the imperfections. Wabi-sabi!
Even though Burl Theory used to be a full-time gig
for me, it has shifted back into a creative outlet and
hobby — a way for me to play, experiment, make mis-
takes, decorate my home, and cruise through endless
podcasts and albums. It's also a way to connect with my
community. Art is much more fun when shared!
When I'm not making something, you'll probably find
me on a trail or in a canoe, collecting inspiration and
soaking in the gorgeous Adirondack summer. I hope to
see you out there!
You can find me at a couple High Peaks farmers mar-
kets (July 25 + Aug 29) and Peru Town markets (July 26
+ Aug 30), as well as Oktoberfest and possibly an Art
Walk or two. Some of my work lives locally at Heart-
wood Studios. Online, I'm @burltheory on Instagram
and burltheory.com. t