jacques vesery: look and listen as the world turns

Inspired by the colors and shapes found in nature, master woodturner Jacques Vesery creates complex turned, carved sculptures and vessels using wood that is still green – drying it in a microwave after each stage of turning and carving. Read more about his process here.

As the World Turns & the Seasons Spin, 21″ x 5″ x 6″, 2009
swiss pear, white oak, fossil mammoth ivory, acrylics and metal leaf
Collaboration with Bonnie Klein, click image to see large

The award-winning artist’s work has a hypnotic effect on viewers. Distinguished by lush colors, repeating leaf patterns and rows of rippling, curving lines that mimic lapping waves, the skillfully carved sculptures provide a quiet place to rest tired eyes.

Fly My Blues Away, 5″ x 2.3″
carved/textured cherry, silver leaf, acrylic

Aqua Nova, 3″ x 7″
carved/textured cherry, african blackwood burl, acrylic, carved opal

Primordial Orb of the Pemaquid Rock People, 6″x6″x4″ w/ 3″sphere
carved/textured cherry, burnt ash, steel, granite, 23k gold leaf, acrylics

Teapot, Relic of a Tidal Tea Time, 7″x6″x7″
carved/textured cherry, oxidized silver, acrylic, opal

“We are touched and influenced every day by many shapes and colors. We look, we listen. I work in wood due to its familiarity, its makeup, and its qualities. Its warmth inspires direction and doesn’t inhibit me. The wood becomes my canvas, but it’s the engaging convergence of form, proportion, texture, and color that creates the unique spirit and soul with a story to tell. Material and technique then become irrelevant. Each piece of art I create has its own story…we just need to look and listen.” Jacques Vesery

When Vesery was a submariner in the Navy he lived in a small space with 150 people. The experience helped the self-taught artist gain new respect for the old adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place”.

Jacques Vesery in his space

Watch this short video to learn how his time on the submarine influenced the organization of his current space.

‘As the World Turns & the Seasons Spin’ is part of Boxes and Their Makers, the current exhibit (through November 25th) at The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine.

Above quote as seen on Maine Home Design