The exotic home decor of Plywood Sculpture belie its utilitarian roots." a quote from Niche Magazine. Beauty is often found in unexpected places. Few people would expect anything made from plywood to be beautiful, yet they are surprised and intrigued when they learn this fact about my work. I laminate a very special Birch plywood from Russia to a other types of birch, then carve them to reveal the previously hidden core. The results are often compared to some rare and exotic wood, skillfully brought to life. The Plywood Sculpture line consists of over seventy contemporary designs that are functional as well as decorative. There are over two dozen mirrors in many shapes and sizes. The designs range from figurative to geometric, from celestial to functionally conservative. Several figurative sculptures are balanced by some furniture designs. The line is rounded out by many gift items, such as picture frames, boxes and other accessories. All of my designs have a fluid sense of movement, emphasized by the black glue line. The alternating light and dark woods have a variety of colors in natural, however dyed colors offer even more possibilities. Each piece is signed and given a smooth, maintenance free lacquer finish.

Robert Hargrave is a master woodworker, taking wood to a new level by creating pieces that are both functional and striking. Robert began working with wood while he was an art student. A simple critique from a professor changed his life, showing him the direction he needed to pursue. "My professor said, 'this is a very intelligent use of material' so I pursued my passion to work with my hands," explains Robert. When asked what he does for a living, Robert is quick to reply, "I take a rather ordinary material and transform it into an exotic visual experience." Robert's appreciation for the warmth and beauty of wood is highly visible in his artwork. He explains, "I choose plywood to work with because of the unusual effects that can be achieved and the challenge to make something beautiful from a material usually looked down upon." To finish his pieces, Robert incorporates the highest quality European birch plywood, utilizing the lamination lines to make the final design. Having done retail shows in the past, Robert focuses on selling his artwork wholesale to galleries across the country, while retailing directly from his studio. He is quick to point out that marketing is key to any business. He focuses his efforts on tradeshows, direct mail, print ads, online, and by word of mouth. His number one rule that all artists must adhere to for success is to persevere. "Ride out the ups and downs and stay focused on the reasons you began making art in the first place. Stay vigilant for new opportunities, techniques, or the path forward." Robert knows that buying handcrafted work is a strong movement, but he knows that the consumer must also find a connection with a piece of artwork. He shares his thoughts. "I know I have had people mention their purchase is being made to support local and made in America, but I am unsure if it is the most important reason for buying art - in reality the piece must 'speak' to the buyer on some level."