About Us

Camino (2020)

We are two people who love trees and our life in the forest. Together, we design and create unique art, home furnishings and Appalachian instruments.

We create works of art that are lasting. Each an original work - and our way of paying homage to our world’s trees for all the gifts they give humanity. Our art is a celebration of this naturally beautiful and vitally symbiotic relationship.

Who are we?

  • Aleta Stone - an award winning collage artist

  • Michaeljon Flores - an American Master Craftsman Woodworker, Furnituremaker, and Luthier

Aleta Stone

I made my first collage in sixth grade and it was fun!  From that moment on, I’ve been drawn to modern art and contemporary lines. I love the idea of bringing together materials and objects in a way that unifies them in artistic composition, and makes me bubble with bliss.

I have no preconceived notions about my art because it is completely unique.  It is multidimensional and tactile, and I encourage people to touch it and experience it in a more personal way. To connect with me and my work, and to the trees and nature itself. My art is simple and complex, and organized and chaotic - all at once - and it’s kind of magical.  

My pieces are made from recycled and repurposed domestic and exotic woods and wood products.  When I begin a piece, I let the wood speak to me.  It’s important for me to showcase the limitless diversity of colors and grain patterns found in trees. My art reflects the beauty found in nature, and it’s my way of showing gratitude for all the gifts trees provide humanity. I use wood as my palette, and as I create each work, my art becomes whole as the components come together, flowing into and around each other, until a sense of calm comes over me. Just like I feel when I’m in the forest.

It is my hope that my art draws you in and brings you a sense of wonder and surprise.  It truly is amazing to see the magical beauty hiding beneath the bark and the branches.

Dulcimers

Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers

Michaeljon Flores - American Master Craftsman

As a nationally recognized professional woodworker from California, I have been designing and creating custom furniture, home accessories and musical instruments for more than fifty years.

My works have been shown in galleries and private collections throughout the United States and internationally. I’ve won numerous awards for my designs, and for almost thirty years, I created commissioned one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture for my clients from my shop in the Gold Country of California.

On a trip to Kentucky twenty years ago, I experienced first-hand a mountain dulcimer when visiting one of the craftsmen in Berea. I decided at that moment that Kentucky was the place to be. The artisans were welcoming and creative and I felt a kindred spirit with them. I relocated to Wood Creek, Kentucky to pursue the creation of mountain dulcimers full time. For those who have more than one dulcimer, I believe Dulcimer Acquisition Syndrome is a real thing!

Mountain Dulcimers

  • Dulcimers in progress

    All of these dulcimers are awaiting finishing. The hand-rubbed oil finish I use takes an average of two weeks to complete. When that is done, I hang the instruments up to “rest” for six weeks to climatize them and enhance their tonal quality. The final step is to string them and deliver them to my customers.

  • Hummingbird Dulcimer

    This hummingbird dulcimer is made from 200-year old vertical grain fir. The wood was removed from an old warehouse in Alameda, California. It has a sweet tone and a historical significance. It features a Galax back, cherry sides for volume and Honduras mahogany on the back and head.

  • Little Bourbon Cabinet

    This small cabinet is made from cherry and ambrosia maple. I put African wenge banding on the doors and the inside drawers for a little surprise and delight.