Artist Statement
"Gary is a recently retired market research analyst who worked to live, and did not live to work. Now, he joyfully embraces his retirement by turning wood at every opportunity, either through his own creations, or through the experiential turning classes in which students make their own creations (hopefully to become family heirlooms).
Gary was given a passion for woodworking by his dad, himself a lifelong woodworker. Gary latched on specifically to turning (as a subset of the larger woodworking category), after taking a three day course from a world renowned turner in 2012 (ask him about David Ellsworth; he'll be happy to add more). He fell in love with the zen-like aspects of ""making chips fly"".
When turning in his studio, Gary thinks of his work in two categories. First are the more utilitarian items that he makes specifically to sell as gift items -- rolling pins, bottle stoppers, ice cream scoops/paddles, and pizza cutters. While these are fun for him to turn, the real fun and excitement for Gary lies in turning larger bowls from 'gnarly pieces' of green wood. Green wood just turns differently, he will explain to you. And after you turn it, it will change shape, sometimes in unpredictable ways. While this can lead to the loss of some pieces (if they crack drastically), Gary doesn't mind. It can always be firewood while he moves on to the next gorgeous piece of wood.
Gary works out of his home based studio (his garage) here in the Edmonds Bowl on Alder Street. If you walk by, he is likely to pop out and say hello, especially if you have a dog with you.
This is Gary's first year, of what he hopes will be many, on the Edmonds Art Studio Tour!"
Edmonds Connection
Gary moved to Edmonds part time in 2010, and for four years split his time between Edmonds and New Jersey. Moving here full time could not happen soon enough, and in 2014 id did. Gary loves the small town feel, quaintness of downtown, and walkability of the Bowl, where he makes his home. He affectionately refers to Edmonds as "Mayberry meets the 2000.s." He can often be seen petting dogs and selling his turned wood creations at the Edmonds Markets (Garden, Summer, Holiday and Cabin Fever -- nee Winter). His work has also been sold at the Cascadia Art Museum gift shop, as well as in other local shops. He volunteers in multiple aspects at the Edmonds Food Bank (including donating many bowls to their empty bowls annual fundraiser). And for the past five years has helped at the Arts Festival by working on the field layout. Drive down Alder Street and look for his "open" sign -- it is an invitation to stop in and see his turning studio.
You can see Gary at Studio #15.