I have been designing and making bears for over twenty years. A few years ago I returned to school to pursue a Liberal Studies degree. I plan on entering the California teacher credentialing program next summer. Because of this, the work I do is now limited. I no longer travel as extensively as I did before, so this web site will be the best place to view what I have available. I am planning on doing a few shows, and have listed them in the link for shows. I will make sure this is updated as I add new ones.
I have been designing since 1982, and am known for my Yes/No bears. My father and brother invented the mechanism I use; it is a simpler version of the old yes/no bears, and with this mechanism I am able to get a good range of movement that helps bring the bears to life. I like diversity in my work, so I produce a range of styles, making each creation unique and interesting. In the year 2000, I started making open mouth bears and air brushing them for extra detail. My goal is to bring a unique sense of style and creativity to each piece. Because my pieces have been highly sought after and find homes quickly, it is difficult to keep up with the demand. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into creating each piece. I feel that it is extremely important to pay close attention detail and workmanship so each creation is something I can be proud of.
My work is on permanent display at many museums. These include the Japanese Teddy Bear Museums: Izu, Nasu, Haku, the Teddy Bear Museum of Kobe, along with the Houis Ten Bosh Museum, and The Korean Museum. Shows have taken me all over the world, displaying my work and meeting collectors. Also, I have been lucky to be a featured artist at the Walt Disney World Bear Convention since 1994. I have had many bears displayed in various magazines, some with cover shots and others in articles: however, I consider my bear Captain 56 to be my greatest achievement. I created this bear to honor the memory of my cousin, Captain Michael Lane, of the Shasta Fire Department. I wanted some good to come from the tragedy our family faced, so I designed a bear called Captain 56 that was featured on the cover of Teddy Bear and Friends Magazine Jan/Feb 1993. I donated all of the proceeds from this edition to the volunteer departments which he served. I was proud and honored to be able to present them with a check that totaled $12,0000., with which they purchased rescue equipment.
Throughout my years of making bears I've made wonderful friends around the globe, and I consider everyone who has touched my life with their smiles to be the best part of this job. I feel truly blessed to be able to make creations that people have wanted to adopt and bring into their homes. I look forward to scaling back my bear making and work on touching the lives of the children who will enter a room that I can call my class.
