Living in Bend, OR, I am fortunate to have access to a fantastic resource: the DIYCave. Located just a mile from my home, the DIYCave has been a hidden treasure in my community. Over the past decade, I sporadically took a few classes there, but it wasn’t until recently that I fully embraced all the Cave has to offer. In the past year, I’ve immersed myself in almost every class available and, for the first time, started regularly using their machines and equipment.

One of the most surprising discoveries was my immediate love for woodturning. However, much like with pour painting, I decided to pull back to avoid diving too deeply into yet another captivating hobby. Currently, my favorite tools at the Cave are the Boss Laser (affectionately known as Bruce), the CNC plasma cutter, and nearly everything in the metal shop. These tools have opened up exciting new possibilities for my artwork, allowing me to integrate intricate designs and elements that were previously out of reach.

Some of my pieces also incorporate epoxy resin and fused glass elements, adding further depth and dimension to my creations. While I am reserving most of my metalwork for its own dedicated page, this space showcases the fun and creativity I’ve been experiencing with Bruce. The combination of these diverse techniques and materials has reinvigorated my artistic journey, pushing the boundaries of what I can create.