Greg Smith

The simplicity of turning wood is very appealing to me. With only a few sharp tools and a spinning lathe, beautiful things can arise from humble means.

Our native woods have a special attraction. They reflect the austerity of their surroundings in color and figure. None are symbols of perfection, but rather, each one displays their stamina and adaptability to a harsh and unyielding environment. Their world is a world of extremes and its influences are expressed in the twists and turns of grain, invasive holes and drying checks within the wood itself. These things are apparent in all my work.

Each piece is crafted from a branch of wood harvested dead on the tree. The branch is turned in cross-section, revealing the contrasting beauty of both the heartwood and the sapwood. I leave imperfections as part of the work and the manifestation of the hard times each tree has endured.