14.32 - Tree of Life

As an executive in the high tech world of Silicon Valley, Steve turned to woodturning in the early 90’s as a release from the stressors of the day. Upon retiring in 2007, he packed up his shop and moved to a quiet countryside home in Driftwood, Texas. Continuing to wood turn, he was dissatisfied with the simple pieces he created and began experimenting with textures, colors and mineral crystals inlayed in wood to create works of Fine Art. In May of 2011, I worked up the courage to put my art out there to see if there was a market. So, using a borrowed canopy and some simple tables, I headed out to Dripping Springs, Texas, for their annual Art & Wine festival, sold enough to pay for the booth and a little more and as they say, I was off to the races. In the fall 2011, I entered and won an art competition in Round Rock, Texas and was the featured artist in 2012 at the Buda Fine Art show. In 2013, I took home a blue ribbon at the River Art Group Gallery show in San Antonio. So, I found that there is a market for my art and although I won't get rich I'm having a lot of fun turning, showing and making new friends all throughout Central Texas. Please note: These works of art represent four phases to completion. First, after selecting top grade maple or cherry wood, I turn the wood on a lathe to create the “canvas”. Then, I hand-carve the image. Selecting only the best minerals and crystals, I place each crystal in the image by hand. Finally, the art is refined to a smooth surface that resists fingerprints. The ideal artistic piece maintains the integrity of the curve of the platter, bringing the rough crystals in line with the wood’s arc. Each platter takes from 1 to 2 months to complete.

- Steve Green