A self-taught sculptor, Stephen started out as an antique furniture picker. "I learned so much about good design and how to build furniture that lasts forever." Luckily he was discovered after doing his very first woodcarving, an angel. Stephen then began his life as an artist.
In 1994, Stephen suffered from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome after falling down a flight of stairs which left him in a coma for two months. The doctors were not hopeful but with the help of his wife, Gwen, Stephen had a full recovery. He had to relearn everything from how to walk to how to sign his name. Just before the accident, Stephen was inspired to do a series of woodcut prints based on his dog Sally. After waking up from the coma, Stephen immediately began work on those woodcuts. The first woodcut he carved was "Life Is A Ball" celebrating his new found life.
After this near death experience, Stephen had a vision to build a Dog Chapel, "A place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs. It is the largest artwork of my life and my most personal." To a dog lover, visiting the chapel in Johnsbury, Vermont can feel like a pilgrimage. When you enter the chapel, visitors have covered the first room's walls from floor to ceiling with photos and dedications to their dogs that are now on the other side. There is so much love and loss in the room that it takes your breath away. Visit the chapel, it will change your life.
