Jeff Strickler
Creator
The heart of a tree.
Time, written. Revealed in form. A story continues.
Box Elder Burl * 13"d x 6"h
Unique works from Nature, carefully hand-crafted to showcase the beauty to be found "beneath the bark."
My work is presented here in a sequence of several galleries:
* New Works - my most recent pieces.* Galleries - a retrospective of some of my work over the years.* Available Works - pieces available for purchase.
An additional section describes my approach, influences, and process.At the end of each section, a button returns you to the top of the site.Gallery images may be viewed in greater detail by selecting any image (zooms to full screen). You may then move through the gallery at your own pace.New pieces will be added periodically to the New Works gallery, reflecting my ongoing explorations of material and form.
New Works
Galleries
Please note that the pieces shown in this section (and in the brochure linked at the end of this section) are a review of some of my favorites over the years - most have already found a home. Currently available pieces are shown in the Available Works and New Works galleries.
Turnings
(bowls, vases & urns)
Other Works
To see a brochure with more of my work, please click on the link below:
About
The story doesn't end when the tree falls . . .
I create art with wood.A simple statement, but loaded with possibilities . . .Wood is an extraordinary medium, offering a rich interplay of form, pattern, color, texture, and weight. Light refracts within the grain — a phenomenon known as chatoyance — creating depth and quiet movement beneath the surface. With care (and sharp tools!), wood is imminently workable into almost any form. A wonderful source for exploration and expression!
Wood is also an organic material that carries the record of a life lived. Each tree, and every piece shaped from it, holds a singular history written in its grain: in shifting patterns of grain, color variations, knots, voids, spalting, and decay. These are stories of weather, time, stress, growth and perseverance.
It is my privilege to help tell these stories. The making of each piece becomes a conversation — the material informs and often guides the final form. My role is to engage with what is present, to reveal rather than impose, and to create objects that are visually compelling, wonderful to hold, and respectful of their origin.My work is centered on urban “found” wood — trees at the end of their life, or those lost to a storm or landscaping change, and often destined for mulch, firewood, or landfill. Working with this material, I aim to give it renewed presence and purpose.
Many pieces begin on the lathe, where form emerges through a process of careful removal — shaping, refining, and uncovering what lies within. As new surfaces are exposed, the character of the wood is more fully revealed as well. Careful sanding and finish treatments bring out the grain, color and luster in the wood. At times I incorporate additional media (color, inlay material, or metal) to complement the wood, or to introduce texture or contrast, but always with the intention that each piece remains, at its essence, a wood object.
Wood continues to be a generous and compelling medium. And the lathe is a wonderful tool with which to reveal its beauty. My journey of discovery continues with every shaving peeled off the wood, and every new surface revealed.
Available Works
A selection of artwork available to purchase.
The pieces shown here are included in the Spring Sales brochure linked immediately below.
I have a number of additional finished vessels, sculptures and wall art (including several of the pieces in New Works, above). Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you are interested in a full list of available pieces.
If you are interested in a piece similar to those shown in the Galleries, above (wood species, form, color, etc.), but not currently for sale, please contact me. I'm always happy to discuss creative challenges!
Please subscribe
From time to time, I share email updates on new work, exhibitions, and my ongoing explorations with wood. Twice each year, these updates will include a brochure of Available Works. If you would like to to be included in these updates, please subscribe by sending me an email.
I can be reached at:
