| I have always been inspired by the elements of nature, and have found, over the years, that others are comforted by functional art that brings a sense of the outdoors into their environment. A certain peacefulness prevails over surroundings that intertwine the beauty of the outdoors with practical workspaces. I believe people should surround themselves with pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. |  |
| As a child growing up in rural Wisconsin, I
developed a true appreciation for the many local wood species and
their grain patterns.
An art instructor, who introduced me to the basics of furniture design, encouraged my passion for the media. I further developed my skills during my employment with a Wisconsin-based company that is recognized internationally for its exquisite wood tables and doors. Among the clientele were Bill Gates, The White House, the Pentagon, and Calvin Klein Corporation. As part of a woodworking team, I had some wonderful learning opportunities, such as marquis pattern design, mixed wood composition, and unusual finishing techniques. Although I enjoyed the team camaraderie, my individual artistic spirit was somehow not satisfied. In 1998, I established my own studio, Clean Shavings Woodworking, as a forum to fuse my technical expertise with my creative zeal. My artistic collection has expanded to include furniture, clocks, jewelry boxes, desk accessories and turned bowls. I work with a wide variety of wood species, but must admit that the exotic woods like Bocote and Zebrawood are favorites because of their beautiful grain patterns and natural sheen. With wood, there are endless ways to bring beauty and function together. When designing a piece, I try to get a feel for a person's needs and sense of style, and reflect their personal character in my work. My deepest sense of satisfaction comes from designing a piece that the viewer finds both useful and fascinating. Jim Cox |
|
Artist Statement