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| Artist Statement I enjoy watching the grain of a newly planed piece of wood unfold. That discovery leads to so many potential projects, matching that grain in a form to enhance both the appearance and the functionality in a unique design. |
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| Credits and Awards George is a member of Kingston Arts Council, Brockville Chamber of Commerce and 1000 Islands Art Center, Clayton New York. 2010 Marianne van Silfhout Gallery, St. Lawrence College, selects Doodle Dee for their third annual juried art show. 2009 Marianne van Silfhout Gallery, St. Lawrence College, selects The Rogue for their second annual juried art show. 2009 Lions Club Brockville Wood Show Participant 2009 Selected as Featured Artist for S.A.I.L. Annual Art Show & Sale 2007 Chosen to show at The Coach House Gallery at the Ivy Lea Club 2006 Founding member and first Chairman of the Board of Thousand Islands Arts. 2005 - 2007 Studio participant in Thousand Islands Arts Studio Tours Reviews 2009 Living in Brockville magazine features George's art and Inspirations Art Gallery in their June issue |
| Website www.inspirationsartgallery.com |
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| About The Artist My interest in wood began after building a house in 1969, of which I still own and reside in. The intrigue of making items using finer saws and other tools quickly replaced those motivational factors of hammering nails into plywood and spruce lumber to provide shelter. I found myself thinking more of the grain in wood and appreciating the many different facets associated with its natural colours and appearance. I still today have trouble applying paint to any piece of unfinished wood!!!! Discovering the differences in the many available local hardwoods drove me to begin thinking about fine cabinetry versus those run-of-the-mill projects I term now as carpentry. Tackling more complex commission work escalated my skill level in both construction and finishing to a point where each project was a discovery journey in how to produce a product of higher quality than the one that preceded it. Being a maker of fine furniture was satisfying but after being introduced to the elements of designing “art” my use with wood has taken on a totally new meaning. I’m seeing the characteristics of wood through a new lens and finding so many pieces that can be used far beyond traditional uses in furniture making. Each defect in the wood, every change of the grain and using new shapes to include both of these qualities bring so many opportunities as an artist. I’m anxious to be part of the next evolution of my thinking and use of how to capture the unique qualities of a piece of wood. |