It is the distinctive nature of wood that inspires my work. Each creation is original and unique. I craft my pieces from layered wood that I shape by carving, grinding, and sanding.
These techniques are inspired by nature’s constant sculpting of the desert terrain in which I live. Dramatic river beds, canyons, mountains, and rock formations spark ideas and are inspiration for my sculpture, chairs, and vessels.
Craftsmanship is as important as design. Using skills honed over years of experience, my designs reflect a process of uncovering the form hidden within the wood. I accentuate the organic form by using the parallel lines of the layered wood. Every finish is natural. I use no dyes or stains.
Fine sanding and clear finishes are used to bring out the natural beauty and color of the wood grain. I use multiple types of wood in many of the pieces. At times I combine rare and exotic woods with common woods. Above all, I strive to make beautiful forms that are intriguing to the senses and evocative to the mind.
I sell directly to the customer. I like to work with the client, get to know them and what they like. Then I design the work with their input. I make the pieces in the studio and ship them to the customer.
The process
All of my work is sculptural, even my furniture. I build up layers of wood to create the mass I need, then carve, grind, and sand until I achieve the shape I want. If it is a piece of furniture, the final shape should be functional, that is, it should be able to be used as chair or table. My furniture has no joinery such as mitered joints, mortise and tenons, or dovetails. It is almost entirely stack lamination.
From where do ideas for pieces come?
The truth is I usually never know exactly. Of course they come from who I am, where I have been and what I have seen and experienced. I have traveled in various parts of the world and lived in Africa for two years. Since I grew up and lived most of my life in the southwest United States, the desert environment is very much a part of my psyche.
I am influenced by the way nature carves, grinds and sands the earth with wind and water. I imagine rocks shaped into smooth stones by rain water wearing away the soft parts of the earth to create beautiful canyons. I think about the wind blowing sand against mountain sides and canyons walls to create beautiful forms in the earth and rocks. The way I cut into, grind and sand pieces of wood to make sculptural forms reflects these natural processes.
Some of Kerry's credentials (click or tap to view)
I have the good fortune to be married to the most wonderful supportive person an artist could ever dream of.
From the beginning of my career in the mid 1970’s she has been emotionally, and at times, financially supportive. Unlike the spouses of some artists I have known, Joyce likes my artwork. Since our marriage in 1972, while pursuing her own career, she assisted me in innumerable ways, from business organization and design ideas to suggesting titles for bowls, chairs, and sculpture.
Throughout the years I was exhibiting at shows, Joyce travelled with me across the country from Baltimore to San Francisco, keeping track of sales and inventory, helping with the physical work of setting up and taking down the display, and dealing with customers. I stopped doing craft and fine art shows in 2014, (much to her delight) and work entirely with art consultants and private collectors. She continues to be my moral support.
