Visual Artist: Woodworking Artist Categories

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Robert Boettcher

Visual Artist: Woodworking

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and have lived in Minnesota since 1973. I have always loved working with wood, and my interests have focused on woodturning in recent times. I make a variety of items including utilitarian and gift items, as well as items more properly described as wood art. As with all things wood, each item is a unique piece, embodying the highlights and flaws of a specific piece of wood; nature’s palette. I very much enjoy utilizing wood with interesting and unusual features, such a spalting, knots, worm holes and the like. I work primarily with woods native to the upper Midwest, including maple, black walnut, black cherry, white birch, white oak, ash, buckthorn and others. I also use some tropical hardwood species, mainly for embellishment, and strive to ensure that this wood is obtained from sustainable sources. I enjoy giving demonstrations, and sharing what I have learned with others. Helping others with this craft is a major foundation of the woodturning community.

Jon Kamrath

Visual Artist: Sculpture; Visual Artist: Woodworking

Jon Kamrath grew up in St. Paul, MN and spent his summers working with his father as a finish carpenter, inheriting his craftsmanship skills, love of tools, and architectural appreciation. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he met his muse. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, he married her and taught middle school art in Fergus Falls, MN. He then went on to attain his Masters of Fine Arts from Iowa State University. Moving back to Minnesota, Jon taught art at Eagle Ridge Academy for 5 years. He is currently sculpting out of his studio in Mahtomedi where he lives with his wife and three children who constantly help to give him endless amounts of inspiration.

Evan Perry

Visual Artist: Woodworking

With many years of experience in both traditional carpentry and computer animation, Epoch Woodcraft was born from the melding of the two disciplines. When creating these objects Evan uses proven, old school wood working techniques for strength, quality and durability, while using modern technologies such as 3d modeling and CNC to create individual pieces that are distinctive, unique, and beautiful. He finds inspiration in both traditional art, especially the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements and the symbols and iconography of our modern world, particularly the imagery that gives us moments of quiet and peace. He has a Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting and Drawing from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Art in Animation from Savannah College of Art and Design, and 2 decades of experience in carpentry.

Todd Williams

Visual Artist: Woodworking; Visual Artist: Woodworking

Since retiring in 2006, Todd has followed his passion for woodturning. All his creations are hand turned on a lathe. He has taken instruction and training from many internationally known woodturners, including David Elsworth, Mark Gardiner, Cindy Drozda, Betty Scarpino, Liam O’Neill, Trent Bosch, and others. Todd has endeavored to master many different styles and forms, using almost entirely woods native to North America and harvested from trees downed by storms or development. “I believe one can achieve exciting colors and distinctive grain patterns using native woods, without encouraging harm to tropical rain forests.” Todd loves making bowls, lidded boxes, and items with tall and delicate finials. More recently, he has explored wooden jewelry and hollow forms. “I enjoy making pieces which are both useful and beautiful, but sometimes I am inspired to pure art, like my chalices and giant eggs.” Surface embellishment with woodburning or carving sometimes graces his pieces with emphasis on organic and natural designs. Todd is a long-time member of the Minnesota Woodturners Association, where he has won many “members choice” awards at monthly contests and served for ten years on the Board of Directors. He is also a member of the American Association of Woodturners, and he has had two publications in “American Woodturner” magazine. He displays his work in a number of venues, including MWA meetings, American Crafts Council shows, the Phipps Center for the Arts, the Annual Carpenter Nature Center Art Fair in late summer, and on his website. He accepts commissions.

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