Originally from Buffalo, NY, Jim relocated to the sunny Phoenix area in 1996 and has made it his home ever since. His journey took a pivotal turn when he met his wife, Robin, as re-entry students at Arizona State University. Due to his severe hearing loss, traditional foreign language classes were a challenge for Jim, so he decided to try sign language. It was in their sign language class that Jim and Robin were paired together as the only two students in their 40s. The rest, as they say, is history. Their shared interests and passions have been a cornerstone of their relationship, leading them to create their small business, Lather and Lathe. While Robin crafts soaps and bath products, Jim embarked on the art of woodturning. They started their journey by participating in arts and crafts festivals, with Robin focusing on her creations and Jim showcasing his wood turnings. Over time, they have begun to chart their own creative paths. Robin continues to evolve her artistic designs, while Jim has found his passion in crafting wood art that goes beyond mere utilitarian pieces. Since 2020, Jim has dedicated himself to the art of segmented woodturning. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of working with different woods to create something truly unique and distinctive. His goal is to push the boundaries of what can be done with wood, always striving to create pieces that capture both the eye and the imagination.