Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts | Artists

Artists

The Cutting Edge: Contemporary Wood Art and The Lipton Collection
August 13 - September 18, 2011 / Beato Gallery

Bob Womack
(United States, born 1947)

“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 that allowed me to effectively carve the asymmetrical shapes I collected.”

Untitled Vessel
Blackjack oak burl | 8" h x 6.75" w x 2.5" d | 1986
1200.
Provenance: The Lipton Collection

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

Return to The Cutting Edge: Contemporary Wood Art and The Lipton Collection Exhibition

This artist is featured in the book, The Cutting Edge:
Contemporary Wood Art and The Lipton Collection