Out of Our Hands Gallery - fine handcrafted creations

John I. Parker PhD

Gallery

Artist Statement

I was inspired to do woodcraft at a very early age by watching and helping my father and grandfather create artful yet utilitarian furniture and cabinetry. While working with my late brother Byron Parker in his remodeling business, I learned that all wood has use and should not be discarded. He knew it’s time would come again.

As an ESA Certified Professional Ecologist by training, I have a strong belief in the necessity of conservation and recycling. I focus on creating unique woodcraft from reclaimed lumber and salvaged logs. I have a reverence for the organic character in wood and find beauty in its natural defects, fungal staining, insect borings, and contorted growth patterns. I try to design projects that best display woods natural beauty. The limited quantities of my found wood generally allow only “one of a kind” pieces or occasionally a limited edition of several items. So, appreciate what Mother Nature provides and use it respectfully.