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.
