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
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.
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.