Intarsia is a process whereby wooden pieces are cut, shaped and fitted together, almost like a puzzle. The result is a three-dimensional design forming a mosaic, with wood as the medium. Wood is a truly unique canvas in that each piece displays a life and character all its own. No grain or hue is ever the same. The wood species used are both domestic American and exotics from around the world. I do not stain or color the pieces at all, which allows the wood's natural warmth to come to the fore after several coats of clear lacquer are applied. The frames are hand-crafted using solid hardwoods. The pieces which create the design are cut and shaped by hand. I like to keep the shaping of each piece as organic as possible, allowing the grain to flow. The individual pieces are then sanded and applied to the frame. The whole piece is then sanded again and then two coats of lacquer are applied with additional sanding between coats.