Meditation in Wood - Woodworkers Symposium

Meditation in Wood

Gallery-9’s fine woodworkers are presenting a symposium on Saturday and Sunday the 15th and 16th of November from 12 to 4 pm. Come and visit with the artists and view their outstanding works of art.

 Mark Carpenter: Furniture and Sculptures

“I like to juxtapose many different exotic woods and study how the species interact, in a painterly sort of way – like the way padouk and teak, or maple and wenge make for nice contrasts. Some of the time I won’t know what it is I’m trying to make, or at least it’s always changing mid-process. Is this going to be a table? A door? A sculpture? This can, if I’m not careful, restart the creative process – sometimes I feel like Sisyphus.”  

 Gary Larkins: Sea Chests and Scaled Boat Models

Gary is a graduate of the Northwest School of Wooden Boat building. His fine woodworking can be seen in his classic sea chests and sea captain’s ditty boxes.  He also builds beautiful and accurately scaled boat models such as the lapstrake work boats of the early sailing days and other models from plans obtained from the Smithsonian Institution maritime collection.

 Robin Mckann: Furniture and Sculptures

“The wood itself inspires me. The wood speaks to me and directs my actions. I have spent over 35 years working with wood and it's many forms. I am self-taught, or more honestly taught by the wood. I utilize the grain of the wood to direct the curves and movement of the pieces I create. My craft is an honoring of the material I work with.”

 Mitch Poling: Chugach/Baidarka Kayaks

Mitch lived in Prince William Sound in the Chugach Aleut village of  
Chenega, Alaska in the 1940's. He spent many hours in the tribe’s boathouse learning how they constructed the sealskin biadarkas kayaks.  “The people believe that their kayaks have a sea spirit. They are built traditionally with sinew lashings, and no metal parts are used. They are art and they are excellent sea kayaks. They offer a connection to the sea and its environment that is truly special.” The sea spirit surely captured Mitch as he has mastered this beautiful art form.

 Tom Stewart: Hand Drums and Yoga Props

Tom’s handcrafted drums have developed into world-class art. His richly designed inlaid wood patterns express fine artistic lines, color and visual beauty. The sound qualities are excellent with tones varying in range creating Joyful Vibrations, which resound throughout the human spirit! “To work with all the beautiful woods, their swirling grains, the richness in color that comes out with the first coat of varnish, and heating and forming the metal tuning hardware, bring my thoughts closer to the source of all things.”

Gallery-9 is located at 1012 Water Street, Port Townsend WA 98368 Phone: 360-379-9881-- Web Site www.gallery-9.com