Russ Gowie has been wood turning for over 18 years. Each pen Russ creates begins with a specially selected piece of wood. He has gathered and collected wood from all over the world, including Afican bubinga, Italian cedar, and local Vermont maple. Once the wood is chosen, it is turned into shape, combined with other woods, colorful acrylics, deer antler, or featured on its own. Each pen is is polished and finished to be perfectly smooth and comfortable to the hand. Russ lived in Vermont most of his life, and has recently moved to Salem, New York, where he continues his craft.