The Artisans Michael Serpa Denise DeRose

Michael Serpa is a man of many talents.   He has been a milkman, boat builder, orchid breeder,  machinist  and raiser of champion Siamese fighting fish.  He has handled tools all of his life and his turning and carving demonstrates his familiarity and ease as a craftsman.  All of Michael's pursuits have been colored by his singular vision and artistry.  As a woodturner and carver, he is challenged by the unloved piece of wood, being drawn to the sow's ear, and making beauty out of it.

Denise DeRose, the daughter of immigrant cherry farmers in Santa Clara Valley, spent happy childhood hours in her father's woodworking shop where she could look but not touch.  As an adult, she is a recovering lawyer who can frequently be seen in business attire, wielding a chainsaw at the side of the road. Her turnings are simple shapes, that often juxtapose the natural figure of wood with surfaces that are scorched, textured, carved or painted.

Michael and Denise are both members of the Bay Area Woodturners' Association, a non profit club of woodturners in the San Ramon, California.  The club draws members from the entire East Bay Area.  See BAWA .