My Work
Crafting Instruments with Purpose
For me, drum making is more than a craft—it is a lifelong journey.
Living and working close to nature, I create each instrument by hand, using traditional techniques and carefully selected natural materials. Every drum is unique, shaped by the character of the wood, the hide, and the intention that accompanies its creation.
My goal is not simply to make an instrument, but to create a companion for ceremony, meditation, healing work, music, and personal exploration.
Sourcing the materials
Several years ago, I learned the traditional process of preparing animal hides by hand. This became the foundation of my drum-making journey and allowed me to become involved in every stage of the creation process.
The process begins with sourcing the hides themselves. A portion of the hides I use comes from local forestry and wildlife management organizations, where animals are harvested as part of population control and responsible game management practices.
It is important to note that these animals are not taken for their hides. In most cases, the hides would otherwise be discarded as a by-product. By carefully preparing and transforming these materials into musical instruments, I am able to give them a new purpose and a second life.
Working directly with raw hides allows me to oversee every step of the process, from preservation and preparation to the final stretching of the drum. This connection to the material is an important part of my work and helps ensure that every instrument is truly unique.
Traditional Hide Preparation
Every drum begins long before the frame is built. The quality, appearance, and voice of the finished instrument are shaped by the careful preparation of the hide itself.
The hide shown here is in the dehairing stage of the tanning process. As the hair is slowly removed by hand, the natural patterns hidden beneath begin to reveal themselves. These markings are part of the animal's natural character.
I prepare each hide individually using traditional methods, allowing the material to retain its unique texture, color variations, and organic beauty. No two hides are ever the same, which means no two drums will ever be identical.
For me, hide preparation is not simply a technical process. It is the first step in creating an instrument that carries the story of the natural material from which it was made.