Artist Statement

After practicing psychology for twelve years, my hobby and passion of wood carving became my life's work. As a young adult hiking in the hardwoods of New Hampshire, I was fascinated by the wide variety of shapes and sizes of trees I found. The natural forms and textures lying underneath the bark of "knots" were especially intriguing. Once carved and sanded, they revealed very unusual and colorful grain patterns. Concurrently, I developed free-form carving techniques using a chainsaw (self-taught) which still allow me to effectively carve the asymmetrical shapes I collect. These naturally occurring forms have become a major aspect of my work, often the focal point of a piece. Whether the design is solely manmade or a blend of natural and designed forms, I strive for each creation to reflect a harmony between nature and me. It is the incredibly beautiful and dramatic natural textures and forms that are abundant in the canyons and mountains of the Colorado Plateau that inspire and influence my work today.

Work Synopsis

Bob Womack's wood sculpture is known for its blend of natural and designed forms, smooth as well as textured surfaces, meticulous finish, and use of colorful, unusual domestic hardwoods. When selecting the raw material, careful consideration is given to color, grain, texture, and shape. Naturally occurring phenomena -- such as bark inclusions, holes, and embedded rocks -- are incorporated into some pieces. A chainsaw and bandsaw are used to establish a rough form, and more refined carving is accomplished with a variety of smaller abrasive and carving tools. Bob's distinctive style is currently showcased in one-of-a-kind abstract forms, vessels, and bowls -- creations that reflect a harmony between sculptor and nature.

Awards and Exhibits

  • Selected for the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibit, “Audacious, the Fine Art of Wood”, from the Robert and Lillian Bohlen Collection, 2015
  • Selected for The Cutting Edge, Contemporary Wood Art and the Lipton Collection, 2011
  • Permanent Collection, Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, California 2009
  • Permanent Collection, Figgie Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa 2009
  • Permanent Collectin, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2008
  • Permanent Collection, Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii 2008
  • Permanent Collection, League of New Hampshire Craftsman, Concord, New Hampshire 2008
  • Musem of Arts and Design, New York City, New York 2006
  • Permanent Collection, Los Angeles County Museum, 2000
  • Permanent Collection, Detroit Institute of Art, 1999
  • Selected for Fine Woodworking Design Book Seven, 1997
  • Bewitched by Craft, the Association of the American Craft Museum, 1989
  • Selected for Fine Woodworking Design Book Five, 1989
  • Form and Pattern Exhibit, Sharon Arts Center, Sharon, New Hampshire, 1989
  • Selections in American Craft, San Francisco Airport Commission, 1984
  • Living With Crafts Exhibit, New Hampshire Art Association, Concord, 1982, 1983
  • Selected for Master Craftsmen at Work Exhibit, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, 1982
  • Make it New: Craft by New England Artists, University Art Galleries, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 1982
  • New Hampshire Crafts Biennial, Manchester Institute of Arts, Manchester, New Hampshire, 1982
  • League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Annual Juried Exhibit, First, Second and Third Places, Wood, 1981

Education

Post Master's Studies: Gallaudet College, Washington, D.C.
M.Ed.: University of New Hampshire, counseling psychology
B.A.: University of New Mexico, psychology

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