I have always been interested in creating artistic objects. At an early age I would carve old bricks I found in my grandmother’s backyard with a discarded screwdriver. Now I admit that much of the time, my creations resembled ashtrays in those early years. My grandmother loved them, my parents not so much. But life interrupted and it wasn’t until my adulthood that I took up creating art again, only this time not with old bricks.
I was at a state fair with my “then-girlfriend” Jeanne. We came across a demonstration of a Shop Smith, a piece of equipment that did everything, including a lathe for wood turners. I watched the demonstration with lust and commented that I had always wanted one. She said, “Well then, get it.” That reenergized my passion for creating art and helped to spur her transition to “wife” Jeanne. Since then, she has been a strong partner, helping with the design, development, and sales of my art. We have created many pieces together, both in my sculpting and wood turning, and in her acrylic painting. We are truly happiest when we are creating something together. We do have one rule, however. We do not talk about art while driving. We have been known to find ourselves miles beyond our turnoff when we do.
Today, I am sharing some of my wood pieces. Wood that has been found or purchased is turned on a lathe until it is transformed into a piece of art. I have heard that many Native American cultures believe that everything has a spirit. When a piece of wood that has been discarded or destined to be burned becomes a beautiful shape… I think I see what they mean.
I hope you enjoy our art as much as we have enjoyed creating it.
