Artist’s Statement

It is an honor to preserve the craft of wood-turning. As a fourth-generation artist in the Woods family, I find wood turning an enjoyable art form. I continue to be amazed at the uniqueness of each piece of wood.  It’s interesting to watch a raw piece of wood turn into a work of art.

Though I’ve been turning wood since 2000,  the past few years  have been inspired to create “Sacred Art Objects” in the form of  Urn Vessels.  I maintain a heartfelt reverence when creating these vessels to assist families in honoring their loved ones.  I am humbled to be of service to families during this deeply felt time and to bring an item of beauty into their lives to help ease the pain of loss.

My work is crafted with integrity and care at my workshop in an authentic Appalachian tobacco barn in the inspiring Smoky Mountains of NC. It’s a place where and my work is “service, not labor”.

It has been an enjoyable journey to experience the unfolding of my wood turning career that began as a student at the John C. Campbell Folk School. I have evolved from selling bowls, plates, vases and the like in my own small gallery and at local art shows to become a specialist in making urns.  Though I am thoroughly enjoying the present, I look forward to my future in this craft.

I hope you take a moment to look at the portfolio below to see a representation of my past works (not for sale). For purchasing an urn, you will want to go to the Buy An Urn page for images of the urn styles that are currently for sale.

Robert Woods

Portfolio of Wood-turned Objects