We are extremely happy to include him as a member of our talented team, and we take great pride in having him as our featured artisan. Take a moment and get to know Jon Parker…he’s really one in a million.

OOOH:  How would you describe the craft you work in? What sets your items apart from other artisans?

JP: I design and build unique woodcraft from recycled lumber and salvaged logs. Many times the found wood has an aged patina that cannot be duplicated using new lumber.

OOOH:  How long have you been crafting? Have your interests and materials changed over the years?

JP: I started as a young boy making my own toys with wood from salvaged vegetable and fruit crates. The warmth and organic character of wood have never lost their charm.

OOOH: Typically, what steps do you take when working with reclaimed wood to enhance its beauty?

JP: I choose the most beautiful or interesting “face” of each board for the outside surface, carefully join the parts, progressively sand to enhance the grain and figure, and carefully finish to achieve a soft “hand”.

OOOH: Each of your creations has a story. Do you have a piece that had a particularly interesting story or one that you are most proud of?

JP: From roadside cast-offs to dead trees, wood is everywhere and mostly free for the taking. I received a pile of partially burned, huge barn floor planks from my neighbor for helping clean up after his historic mid 1700s barn was destroyed by arson. The 300 to 400 year old virgin red oak planks made 30 benches and tables that naturally finished to a deep golden brown color that only aged lumber can provide.

OOOH:  Where do you find inspiration and how do you keep up with the latest trends?

JP: The simple Shaker type designs that showcase the woods beauty lends itself to using reclaimed wood. The wood tells me what I can get out of it to maximize use and minimize waste. Usually, the small quantity of found wood limits production to “one of a kind” pieces while avoiding the trend to mass produce.

OOOH:  Do you have any plans for future work? What would you like to accomplish?

JP: To create more sculptural designs in the Wharton Esherick tradition would be satisfying.

OOOH:  What would be your best advice for someone interested in crafting unique furniture and accessories from reclaimed wood?

JP: Start looking for wood, it’s everywhere. Don’t be scared, in woodcraft one only gets better with practice.

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.

It is not surprising that he now has discovered the art of woodturning. Using varieties of exotic wood, he fashions them into pens, letter openers, bottle stoppers, ring boxes, bud vases and many other intricate wooden objects.

Larry hopes to share some of his work with others who appreciate and enjoy fine hand-crafted pieces.

My early years in Dad’s shop spurred an interest in woodworking that lasts to this day. I worked as a stone mason for many years. This experience taught me to look for balance in the total piece, and a work ethic to get the job done. I left my masonry job of 28 years to pursue my livelong dream of working wood fulltime. I build custom furniture and artistic wood turning and carving.

Recently I have been exploring caves. This has been an avid pursuit which spills over into my artwork, resulting in critical acclaim. These pieces are in collections from coast to coast.

With proper care, your new Jonathan’s Wild Cherry Spoon will last a lifetime. I recommend that you scrub them with a Scotchbrite pad using soap and water. Occasionally oil them when you want them to look their best – natural coconut oil is my favorite! The color of my spoons will deepen with use, and with age their beauty goes beyond skin deep. I hope you’ll enjoy the balance, function and quality we have built into every utensil and that they will serve you with pleasure for many years.

Wildfowl Carving Magazine published an article I wrote in the Winter 1999 issue. The article dealt with a special technique for making long, curved beaks which are very strong and resist breaking. Carving is a source of enjoyment for me, from doing the research, relaxing during the carving and finally bringing me a sense of accomplishment.

Gary is self-taught, and has spent most of his time making furniture and cabinets, principally of colonial and Shaker designs. He only recently began making small desk clocks after experimenting with combinations of African and domestic hardwoods. How long he continues to make them is anybody’s guess, but he has been having fun doing it thus far!