Ryan Maheu

My love affair with wood started at an early age.

The most distinct memory is of pounding nails into two by fours in my grandfathers South Portland basement shop.

During my high school years at the Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts. I was fortunate enough to be enrolled in the schools Boat Building Program. Only two students would be chosen for this class each year.

Mr. Riordon, A.KA. Cap, I thank you for the time I spent in your Class. You are the foundation of my confidence.

After graduating from high school in 1997. I applied to the North Bennett Street School and was enrolled after being deferred the first time. This is were I was first introduced to the lathe. But I would not call it love at first use.

It would not be until 2005 where my love for turning would start. On a family holiday to Santa Fe, my mother and I walked into a gallery. Were I remember my eyes widened in amazement of the hollow form turnings inlayed with Turquoise lining the gallery walls. After pondering on how someone could create such a massive piece of art out of what I think now looking back was a huge walnut burl. From then on I was determined to learn the art of turning.