How many people truly get to follow their dream?
I did.
I’ve always lived near a body of water and have always been a beachcomber.
My dream was to figure out how to make a living off the beach.
I did.
I moved to San Juan Island in 1980 and immediately began scouring the beaches for wild looking wood, and there was plenty. But what to do with it?
The answer came in the person of Mike Moss, a woodcraft artist, fellow beachcomber, and creator of driftwood bandsaw boxes which he marketed at the Pike Place Market.
We met. He saw my driftwood stash, heard my dream and taught me the basics of bandsaw box making. With a modicum of creativity and skill plus a whole lotta marketing experience, I launched False Bay Boxes in 1982. In the proceeding years I sold every piece that was put into the marketplace.
We moved to Whatcom County in 1987 and kept making boxes until about 8 years ago when I “retired” from the art and craft scene.
My hiatus is over. I needed a break. It was perfect.
I am living my dream with new inspiration.
The False Bay Boxes brand has been retired and my work will now be under my own name. My focus is on creating large, live-edge, sculptural boxes carved in outrageous wood for the high-end woodcraft and art market. More moderate sized/priced pieces will only be available during the holidays.
To wit: I am hosting my first ever Studio Open House to reintroduce myself to the local art community. This special event takes place the first Saturday in December, the 7th, from 10am-5pm. Newly created pieces will be for sale. Refreshments will be served all day long.

It is a joy to follow your bliss. I did, and am joyful.

Richard Nevels