Where Wood Meets Water: The Story Behind Oak & Ash Creations

The Meeting of Wood and Water

There’s something timeless about the meeting of wood and water. One holds the history of the land-the rings of seasons gone by-while the other reflects the ever-changing sky. Oak & Ash Creations was born from that meeting point, where nature’s textures, depth and movement come together in layers of artistry and story.

Rooted in the High Country

As a Wilkes County native and Appalachian State alum, the landscapes of North Carolina’s High Country are woven into who I am. The curves of our mountain roads, the shimmer of W. Kerr Scott Lake at sunset, and the quiet strength of the oaks and ashes that line our ridges – all of it inspires my work. 

Each piece that I design is my way of honoring the places that have shaped me and sharing them with others who hold the same love for this region.

Crafted Layer by Layer

What began as a simple curiosity - a way to capture the contours of familiar lakes and mountains – has grown into a collection that tells the story of place. My bathymetric maps trace the hidden depths of beloved waters like Fontana, Watauga, and Lake Norman. My topographical maps follow the rise and fall of peaks like Grandfather Mountain and the winding path of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every layer of birch is cut, sanded, stained, and assembled to reveal the balance between precision and artistry.

Where Community and Craft Meet

But Oak & Ash is more than wood and design – it’s community. I’ve met countless people at art fairs and festivals who share memories of fishing trips, mountain hikes, and quiet moments by the water. Hearing those stories is what keeps me creating. 

Each piece becomes more than décor; it becomes a way to bring those memories home.

A Place to Gather and Grow

As this blog grows, I’ll be sharing the process behind my work, stories from local landmarks, and glimpses into life in the workshop. You’ll see the sawdust, the sketches, and the spark of ideas that become finished pieces. 

My hope is that you’ll feel connected – not only to the art, but to the places and people it represents.

Welcome to Oak & Ash Creations

So welcome. Pull up a chair, take a deep breath of mountain air, grab a glass of sweet tea, and stay awhile. 

Here, where wood meets water, there’s always another story waiting to be told.