Woodland Flutes

The woodland style flute that I make is a very old type of flute that originated in what we refer to today as North America or Turtle Island. It has its roots in the northern and eastern woodland area where the indigenous people have their own names for the flute, in their native language. Today, it is commonly referred to as a Native American flute.

The piece that sits on the flute is called the bird; my interpretation in carving the shape of this piece is meant to represent water. It is my intention to honor the importance of this life-giving source to all living things.

A tree is burned on the base of each flute to honor all of its gifts. As it is rooted into the earth, it exchanges breath with us, gives us fruit and food, medicines, firewood, warmth and light, wood for our homes, and wood for the flutes themselves. Through the life of a tree there is rain, wind, birds, insects, mosses and stones at their base. Trees give in so many ways and are teachers themselves. The tree burnings on my flutes are intended to remind us of these gifts.

The finish that I apply to the flutes is an all-natural finish that I make myself and is hand-rubbed into each flute. For me it’s important to keep the wood healthy with a natural finish that brings out the characteristics of the wood. I use a variety of both local and exotic woods. The type of wood used not only gives it an aesthetic quality, it also affects the tone and the feel of each flute, which makes each flute unique and individual.

Although most of my flutes are available through this website, at Native Sounds in Santa Fe, or at art shows I participate in, I can also make custom flutes. When making a custom flute for someone, I like to gather as much information as I can about the person, what has drawn the individual to the flute, and how it will be used. This guides me through the flute-making process and the intentions for it. It also helps me choose the type and piece of wood that I feel will be right for this person.

The tonality and feel of a flute also helps create the relationship between the flute player and the flute itself. Many find that the flute becomes more than a musical instrument, but a way to heal, to quiet the mind, and to discover new feelings and thoughts that can often be powerfully transformative.