Learn about MG Designs Woodworking
Background and Location
I have been doing woodworking as a hobby for many years, and recently, I developed a new passion for wood turning. What excites me the most is the ability to create handcrafted art and to work with different mediums beyond wood, such as resin, metals, inlays, and more. My shop is located in southeastern Wisconsin, United States.
Explain what type of artwork you create & your techniques:
I create unique handcrafted wood turned art, focusing primarily on bowls, vases, hollow forms, and platters. My specialty lies in integrating multiple mediums, such as wood and epoxy resin, to produce stunning art that showcases a captivating contrast of vibrant colors against the natural texture of the wood.
My process begins with selecting the wood, carefully searching for pieces with intriguing grain patterns and detailed nooks and crannies. I place the wood into a mold, often utilizing a plastic container or, my personal favorite, a five-gallon bucket. Next, I pour in the epoxy resin, choosing a color that complements the wood. This curing process generally takes about three days. Once fully cured, the piece is removed from the bucket, mounted on my lathe for wood turning, where I hollow and shape it. After extensive sanding, the piece is ready for a few coats of finish, and for my resin art pieces, I prefer to apply a high gloss finish.
Give us some insights into what inspires you:
It may sound cliche, but I let the wood inspire the piece when creating my handcrafted art. I will often have an idea or vision going into the work, but as I shape the foot of a vase and carve the wood, an interesting knot or grain pattern may appear, prompting me to change the shape to highlight it.
I aim to create unique statement pieces of art rather than repetitive production pieces. I enjoy experimenting with new techniques and introducing various materials into my work, such as pine cones and fabrics, which add intriguing patterns when turned. This approach reflects my passion for blending traditional wood turning with innovative resin art.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you or your art?
My career is in Information Security, so I spend most of my days in front of a computer screen. Wood turning is my creative outlet and a time for me to unwind. I love crafting handcrafted art and incorporating resin into my projects. My wife, Julie, is my creative inspiration and advisor; we discuss my plans from that initial concept through to the final product. As empty nesters, with all our kids grown and living out of state, it's just us and our spoiled Bernese Mountain Dog named Kellen, who wants everyone to know that his image inspired my logo.
Any special instructions on taking care of/cleaning your artwork?
Most of my work, especially the resin pieces, features a durable gloss finish. These decorative items are not intended or safe for food use unless specifically noted. The only care and cleaning required for my pieces is simple dusting and polishing with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. If necessary, a slightly damp cloth can be used.
