Artist Statement

I’ve been around for a long time now.

When I landed, I was fortunate to be in a place where I spent my free hours wandering in the woods surrounding my childhood home.  I found that if you listen carefully, the trees and streams teach you that there is infinitely more to your time in this form than most people recognize.

Ever since I remember, I’ve been drawing, designing or building something.  Simple drawings led to portraits to drafting to design; building with blocks led to remodeling and home building; day-dreaming led to visualizing works that were unique and served to fill a need to create; and all of it led to a deep appreciation for design and the textures and intricacies of working with wood and other tactile materials.

Life has given me the opportunity to go Against the Grain.  It’s not an easy thing to do, but the opportunity for individual expression is priceless.

My Studio work has been greatly influenced by the phenomenal talent and dedication of George Nakashima, James Krenov, Wharton Esherick and, my hero, Sam Maloof.

As an artisan, there are few greater feelings than being in the studio, surrounded by wood, listening to its direction, visualizing and working through a design, and creating.

Wood holds a spirit, and as a craftsman I strive to capture it and act as a conduit to create something unique, functional and beautiful that brings warmth to your home and joy to your soul – functional art.

Rich The Woodist