AMS Member Profile
I
used to work for computer companies in Silicon Valley as an Electrical
Engineer and Manager.
About
6 years ago or so, my brother-in-law gave me a marquetry saw made by Clif Baxtor
and told me it was something I should learn to use so that when I retire I would
have something to do.
Well,
I haven't had any problem with having something to do after I retired and at the
time I didn't even know who Clif Baxtor was. I later met him and became aware
of the tremendous role he has played forming marquetry chapters and getting people
involved. But, I did make a few marquetry pieces, and enjoyed the process.
I
am not a "high volume" marquetarian, but do enjoy
making pieces and taking on new advanced techniques.
My
favorite theme is of African animals, no doubt a result of my being raised in
southern Africa as a boy. I also enjoy wood turning and I find it particularly
satisfying to create a nice piece of marquetry
that can be added to a bowl or plate that I have turned.
At
the time I met Clif, I joined the now defunct Marquetry Society of America.
Shortly after it folded, Clif sent me a very nice letter suggesting that the new
group, the AMI, needed a Membership Officer and he felt I would enjoy taking on
that responsibility.
Well,
there seemed a need to be filled so I took on the job and really came to appreciate
and enjoy working with all the other officers, plus meeting the others when I
attended the shows we have had in Minneapolis and Portland.
During
this past year I volunteered to take on the "Chairman of the Board"
position for a while. It is quite exciting to remain involved in our marquetry
organization and I encourage each of you to also be involved in your own way.
Through
my membership in the America Association of Woodturners, I have seen how they
are having tremendous success in growth and with that growth, the high class
of services they are able to provide to their members.
This
has caused me to realize that as our membership grows, we too will have the possibility
to increase and improve what our organization can provide to our members. In other
words, we have some great future opportunities to look forward to, and each of
you can directly help by inviting potential new members to join up and also becoming
involved in the AMS.
Editor's
Note: Jim currently serves on the AMS board as the Board Chairperson. In this
role his contributions are often orchestrated in a behind the scenes manner, however,
his dedication to the success and well being of the organization is clearly visible
by all who have the opportunity to work with him.
