New to Artclectic
USN Grandparent ‘29
Curiosity was the first thing that drew in Mike McKinney. “I come from a long line of craftspeople and artists, and I had the opportunity to spend time in the shop with both my dad and my granddaddy, which gave me an early appreciation for making things by hand. When I discovered woodturning in 1993, I found the lathe completely mesmerizing, and that fascination has stayed with me ever since.”
Mike uses a lathe and wood to create both beautiful and functional pieces of art. “I am inspired to create because I love wood and working with my hands. My ability to tell the wood's story and showcase its history by highlighting the piece's imperfections is one thing that sets me apart from others.”
Learn as much as you can, especially early on, and stay open to learning from others. Just as important, be practical--keep your expenses under control, manage your work like a business, and do not assume you can rely entirely on income from your art. Be adaptable, stay cheerful, and commit yourself to good work and good practices.
I hope my work reflects simplicity, honesty, and care. I try to create pieces with clean form, pleasing texture, and natural coloring that all work together. I also try to let the wood speak for itself, respecting its character and using its natural qualities to guide the final piece.
I want people to feel that they are seeing something thoughtfully made and true to the material it came from. One of the nicest compliments I receive is when someone says they can always recognize my work. More than anything, I hope people feel the satisfaction of seeing a job well done.
