“I began working with wood when I needed picture frames for my photography. This practical work quickly became a labor of love as I learned to pay attention to the wood and how it speaks to me.
That was fifteen years ago.
Since then I have developed my own style of hand-carved bowls, trays and platters that I produce in my wood-working studio in upstate New York.
The first bowl I made was a Christmas gift for my wife, and its form still inspires me.
Each piece is unique and organic in form, influenced by the nature of the wood, and finished with food grade oil for versatility in your home.”
Inspired by Love
Amazima means "truth” in my native language, Luganda.
In 2013, my wife and I opened a boutique gallery on the Commons in Ithaca, NY. It was a dream come true for both of us. Sandra had always wanted to own an art gallery, and I was ready to exhibit and sell my photography and woodwork. Nine months later we realized another dream — having our own little horse farm for our horses, Shadow and Thyme.
Shadow and Thyme’s home came with a beautiful 1880s farm house in need of love and renovations. Another dream come true. Farm work, renovations, and the commute to the gallery made us realize that the gallery dream had to be put on hold.
Many things changed in the last several years and while my music touring schedule ground to a halt during the pandemic, I devoted my time to adapting my recording studio into a broadcast studio. This allowed me to reach audiences and to continue my work — sharing my music with dementia patients around the country. This transition period was illuminating. I realized that at this point in my music career, I want to do more of this outreach work with seniors, less touring, and my woodworking has the potential to support this work.
It is my dream to merge the love I have for woodworking and music to build a community that will help me to bring healing power of music to people with dementia. Join us by sharing this site and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Samite, January 2023
My other work at Amazima Studios
