My crooked beard is a representation of challenges in life that when overcome provide strength and unique character through flaws. The first strike was a complete loss of hair after chemotherapy. Then just as the stubble returned, radiation therapy to only the left half of my face caused that side to be bare while the other stumbled along in recovery. Afterwards the sides would never grow to even out. A few years later during a soccer game my jaw was shattered along the edges of the radiation treatment. Now with the beard hair thickness already significantly asymmetrical, the jawbone repairs left the shaven face even more out of whack. The humor and toughness gained through these experiences have forever changed my life for the positive.
My approach to design and construction represents this persona. Strong geometry and orthogonal lines represent the best intentioned plans and doing everything you can to achieve them. The use of earthen materials within this context represents the unpredictable nature of life. Alone these directions are mundane, but combined, the struggle between perfection and unexpected flaws are where beautiful experiences happen.