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Desiree: How did you come to Zen practice?
Neal: I was born in Texas but moved to Hawaii, and later, to Guam, and even later to Fiji. In the late '60s in Honolulu I found Koko-an, Robert Aitken Roshi's temple and community and started practicing there. A few years later, after returning from university in Fiji with my bride-to-be, Aitken Roshi performed our marriage ceremony. I found Red Cedar after moving to Whatcom County and am very happy to be part of the community.
Desiree: How did you get involved in woodworking?
Neal: Well, it all started many years ago from taking a woodworking class in middle school! I have been hooked on it ever since and realized that I could make things I wanted cheaper than I could buy them. (We have many of my projects around our house from many years of building.)
After retiring around 17 years ago, I started sitting daily and got deeper into woodworking. I have a shop at our home in Blaine. While I’m there, my wife is quilting, cooking or gardening (she has many hobbies). I keep learning and growing--for instance, trying Japanese Komiko patterns (see shoji screens below) after watching YouTube videos and reading books.
Desiree: Wow! Your craftsmanship is exquisite, and we feel so fortunate that you are contributing to our Red Cedar community in such a functional--yet beautiful way!
Neal: It has been a joy to make these items for our sangha and I really look forward to contributing more to our SanSui-ji temple once it's finished. I'm working on a main altar now and will make a “river” table for Cloud Hall from some beautiful spalted maple generously donated by Bob Rose. Then perhaps a bench for our outside area and a "Free Little Library stand" for out front – a suggestion from Hannah Sullivan. Yes, I have many projects to keep me busy in the future!
Desiree: Thank you so much, Neal--we look forward to enjoying all of your lovely work as we settle into our new temple! Many bows!
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