How would you describe your style? I love the term Organic Modernism used to describe Hans Wegner. Dieter Rams is a Functionalist. Maybe my style is Organic Functionalism?

Do you remember the first thing you made? I know that I made mud pies, forts, and pinewood derby cars first with my father, but the first thing that comes to mind is a simple 5 sided pine tool box that I made in my grandfathers work shop when I was probably 12. I no longer have it but it was surely crude, cut with a handsaw and fastened with nails. I remember building it totally unsupervised with absolutely no encouragement from any adult. Mostly I remember how proud my grandfather was of my work.

Before I started making I… Dropped out of art school to play in punk and noise bands and cook in restaurants.

If I weren’t a maker I’d be... A maker of something else. Maybe a boat builder or a home builder.

Favorite quote or words to live by: “You better get going”

If I could run away I’d go… to work. I have run away many times before, yet I always come back to work.

If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? Rodger Stevens

What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? Me cursing at myself under my breath? I've gotten away from listening to music while I work, I mostly work in silence or I listen to podcasts.

If you could learn a new skill what would it be? Ceramics, jewelry making or metal casting.

What is your perfect day? A day free from distractions where I seamlessly move from one meaningful task to the next without question. I work in the garden and have long dog walks on a warm spring day with a low pollen count.

Last book you read? How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollen, Chairmaker's Notebook by Peter Galbert, and Gardening in the Southeast by Ira Wallace.

What would your last meal be? Alternate between olive oil gelato then coffee gelato until I pass out.

Favorite scent? Basil, mint and lime in the form of a mojito. Also a cold just poured ginger-ale when the bubbles hit your nose.

Favorite Flower or Tree? Cherry tree and dandelion

Favorite artist? Jen Guidi, Ariele Alasko's sculptural work blows me away. Sarah Gamble, Justin Waugh, and Mike Geary are 3 painters that are killing it lately and I also went to school with.

What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? The Sheerline table has been the design that I have spent the most time thinking about. I designed it over 10 years ago and just built it last year. I am still working out different construction details. I often find that I need to challenge myself just to motivate myself into following through with a design. If I can see the finished piece too clearly in my mind, then I won’t bother making it.

What do you see outside your bedroom window? It is spring and our yard is filled with blooming Camellias, Azaleas and a Dogwood. Across the street is the mouth of the White Oak River and the Intracoastal Waterway. What is usually a busy street filled with strolling tourists is oddly empty.

What was the last gift you gave someone? Salad greens from my garden.

If money was not a factor how would you live your life? I would travel more and question myself less.

Best piece of advice you have ever received? Purchase the tool, you'll find a use for it.

Where did you grow up? New Bern NC, about 30 miles from where I currently live. Although I lived there longer than anywhere else, it just never felt like home.

Favorite time of day? My favorite time of the day is the morning after my second cup of coffee.

What is your most treasured possession? My Oneway lathe

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To heal someone with my work.

Favorite thing to cook? The most consistent thing I cook is coffee. I love to cook but I go through phases. I am currently in my kombucha and sauerkraut phase.

What are you currently watching? I just re-watched The Wire from start to finish. It still holds up. I'm now re-watching the last season of Better Call Saul before I start the newest season.

What are you most thankful for? The wonderful supportive people in my life and endless ideas to keep me busy.

To see more of Speight’s work visit, www.wyattspeightrhue.com or his Instagram @wyattspeightrhue.