Woodworking International Artists and Artisans woodworking gallery 3

Stephen Knight: Lighthouse Designs

I have worked with wood for over thirty years. After being discharged from the Army in 1971, I went to work as a masonry hod carrier. Eventually I acquired enough skill to become a mason and later on a contractor. Having two daughters to raise wasn't easy in construction. Money was always a problem. My girls wanted a doll house so I decided to make one. The next thing I knew I was selling them at the Maui Swap Meet on the Maui Fairgrounds. I received some interest from local shops and galleries and soon found my work in front window displays. But, as time passed, I became bored and wanted a more artistic venue.

I decided to try Marquetry. I read books on the art form. Saw pictures of incredible styles and designs. My problem was affording the thin wood veneer. The solution was to mill my own wood. Living in Maui at the time gave me access to Hawaiian Koa. A wood prized for it beauty. I started out simple and gained the skills to make remarkable pieces. In time it led to juried events and being sponsored to craft guilds.

Then I got bored again. What now? I needed something unique, something completely different than what other craft artists were doing. By this time, I knew enough about the craft business that it was always better to set yourself aside. Being the 'only one' so to speak. Then I watched a documentary on lighthouses. Wow!

My first lighthouses were 'primitive' by my current standards. They were more 'inspired' than actual. Eventually I started doing actual models. Switching back and forth depending on my mood.

The rest is history.

CREDITS: Art of California - Gold award, Townsend Artist - Public exhibition, San Francisco, Fine Woodworking Magazine - Juried entry, Design Book Six Fine Woodworking Magazine - Article, American Woodworker Magazine - Craft competition, Sonoma County Fair - Best of Show, Hawaii Business News - Article, Maui News - Article, Lahaina Art Society - Former member, Paia Art Guild - Former member, Royal Lahaina Art Gallery - Exhibit, Contemporary Craft Market - Shows, San francisco, Santa Monica

The Spinning Beavers Gallery: One of a Kind Woodturnings

Our goal is to provide high quality, one of a kind woodturnings that are pleasing to the eye. All items are produced from select wood species that have distinguishing grain patterns, natural voids, burls, spalting, curly medullary rays, crotches, or uncommon characteristics.

Pre-dried wood as well as green wood is used, depending on the desired finished form. Some of the dried wood is purchased and some is milled and dried on site. The green wood generally is used to produce the natural edge bowls, but sometimes it is used so that the piece will distort during the drying process, adding character to the piece.

On natural edge bowls the top rim of the bowl retains the original shape of the log. The rim may retain all or part of the original bark, or it can be bare. If you follow the growth rings, they will match the edge of the rim.

Styles range from primitive to modern, simple lines to complex patterns. Thickness varies from form to form depending on the look of the grain at the time of turning. The finished form depends on the wood, the weather, and what is found inside of the raw material.

Signature series items come with full documentation matching the piece with the artist. The documentation includes a registration serial number, photograph, material type and artists description.