A little about me…
At my first SunWatch someone told me ‘the flute will change your life if you let it’, I had no idea how true this would turn out to be. I had always been fascinated by music and woodworking from a young age. When I was young, I would spend time with my grandfather in his small shop. My uncle made guitars and my first guitar came from him. I Wrote and recorded music for several years, and enjoyed tinkering around with woodwork. Cigar box guitars brought those two hobbies together. CBGs are instruments that are easy to make, easy to play… anyone can learn to have fun expressing themselves… The cigar boxes eventually led me to flutes. I was lucky enough to be taken in by Leonard Lone Crow Mcgann, a master flutemaker from Virginia. He got me started, taught me the basics. He showed me what they meant to him and how to do this work in a good way. Since that time I’ve worked with and been mentored by Billy Crowbeak, who continues to inspire and influence me. I strive to share my love of this work with others and to push myself creatively.
CBGs led to Sunwatch fest. in 2012 when I was invited to set up shop there and sell. That’s how I met Leonard, we made a trade, a flute for a guitar. he opened my eyes to the world of the NAF, the spirituality, the craftsmanship, all the amazing wood options, building techniques, and the sounds…
In early 2013 I was invited to his shop, to watch him work, to learn from him. The two flutes he made during his visit were his last flutes before his death. I took extensive notes, pictures, asked tons of questions… he got me started on my journey. He showed me how a simple hollow stick with holes in it can change your life, and the world.
The name SlowRise comes from bread… meaning slow rising bread is best. It has deeper meaning in that all things are best when they are allowed to progress in their own natural way, without rush, without being forced, following the rhythm of nature.