Benjamin Shook graduated from St. John's College in Santa Fe summa cum laude. He lived and taught in France several seasons. He is fluent in French and well acquainted with Ancient Greek and classical studies. He owns and operates a design and fabrication company and has recently directed energies into the art of innovation, as well as the art of levity. He has completed extensive study of design and architecture crossing many traditions; he has likewise trained with Japanese timber framers and with some of the Compagnons du Devoir, in France. He has traveled widely, collecting stories and artifacts of many cultures, their vernacular objects and languages. Ben is an avid outdoor man: rock climbing, alpine, telemark ski, kayak, surf, cycling, etc. Ben also enjoys sailing and hunting for edible mushrooms (for cuisine, not mind alteration). He is known by friends and family for having an exceptional bright spirit, intense focused high energy, and alert physical presence. Ben's power animal is the common honeybee.