Charles Gardner
biography |
portfolio | artists listing
b. 1954, Mojave, California
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2010 Turned & Sculptured Wood, del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Abstract in form, my woven pieces represent a whimsical yet contemplative perspective of the energy that unites us all. This intertwined landscape initially presented itself through a life-changing experience in late 1999. A visual representation of life’s intricate framework, different expressions appeared as separate strands and gently merged into a loosely woven fabric.
It took more than 40 days from conception before I was able to tangibly interpret this vision into my first rendition. Symbolic of the arduous nature of human transformation, each piece passes through an enduring process revolving around the hardness and grain pattern of the wood. Through the evolution of this six to ten week endeavor, the subject matter and title come to light.
The inspiring force behind my chosen medium derived from an instinctive connection to nature that originated as a young child. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to take my lifelong passion for the wilderness trees and offer a translation into the love of wood in all of its magnificent forms and textures.
Whether using beautiful exotic hardwoods or multilayered formaldehyde-free plywood, all of my works are completely hand tooled from a single solid slab.
As each piece brings light to a new dimension, a deeper understanding emerges from the expression it presents. Little did I know it would be years before I would even begin to realize the profound impact that 1999 encounter would have on my life and defining my creative purpose.
“The motivation behind my work is simply the sheer joy of being another strand of expression in the weave of this continuous evolving tapestry of life.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Charles love of trees was since the beginning. The connection with the beautiful woods they produced was made at the age of 8 while chipping away at an old stump with a sharpened flathead screw driver and a ball peen hammer.
In his early adult life, he was given the opportunity to work as an apprentice for Jack Dowd. Watching and assisting Jack with his modern life-size wood character sculptures, further fueled his passion for the medium of wood.
Whether running his tree trimming business, building beautiful structures, or creating film sets for the entertainment industry, Charles has never strayed far from his love of working with wood.
He immersed himself for 6 years amongst the Indonesian wood carvers in central Java. Here he further explored the islands various exotic woods and traditional techniques, while creating beautiful entry doors to ship back to the states.
Although he has known this was always something he was meant to do, it wasn't until his pieces have become more commission based, that Charles had made the transition into his art more of a full time endeavor.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2010 Turned & Sculptured Wood, del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Abstract in form, my woven pieces represent a whimsical yet contemplative perspective of the energy that unites us all. This intertwined landscape initially presented itself through a life-changing experience in late 1999. A visual representation of life’s intricate framework, different expressions appeared as separate strands and gently merged into a loosely woven fabric.
It took more than 40 days from conception before I was able to tangibly interpret this vision into my first rendition. Symbolic of the arduous nature of human transformation, each piece passes through an enduring process revolving around the hardness and grain pattern of the wood. Through the evolution of this six to ten week endeavor, the subject matter and title come to light.
The inspiring force behind my chosen medium derived from an instinctive connection to nature that originated as a young child. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to take my lifelong passion for the wilderness trees and offer a translation into the love of wood in all of its magnificent forms and textures.
Whether using beautiful exotic hardwoods or multilayered formaldehyde-free plywood, all of my works are completely hand tooled from a single solid slab.
As each piece brings light to a new dimension, a deeper understanding emerges from the expression it presents. Little did I know it would be years before I would even begin to realize the profound impact that 1999 encounter would have on my life and defining my creative purpose.
“The motivation behind my work is simply the sheer joy of being another strand of expression in the weave of this continuous evolving tapestry of life.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Charles love of trees was since the beginning. The connection with the beautiful woods they produced was made at the age of 8 while chipping away at an old stump with a sharpened flathead screw driver and a ball peen hammer.
In his early adult life, he was given the opportunity to work as an apprentice for Jack Dowd. Watching and assisting Jack with his modern life-size wood character sculptures, further fueled his passion for the medium of wood.
Whether running his tree trimming business, building beautiful structures, or creating film sets for the entertainment industry, Charles has never strayed far from his love of working with wood.
He immersed himself for 6 years amongst the Indonesian wood carvers in central Java. Here he further explored the islands various exotic woods and traditional techniques, while creating beautiful entry doors to ship back to the states.
Although he has known this was always something he was meant to do, it wasn't until his pieces have become more commission based, that Charles had made the transition into his art more of a full time endeavor.