Gary L McGuire is wood turning artist who got started turning wood a little late in his life. Gary was put on disability retirement early in 2007. This was not going to stop Gary from working with wood.

Gary has been involved in wood working all of his life. So he has a depth of knowledge about wood and how to work with it. With his new weight limit on lifting he decided that he needed to find a new outlet for his love of wood. With his wife by his side he bought his first lathe, tools and wood to get him started. Gary is a self-taught turner but has had a number of other turners and artist that have influenced him along the way.

Gary lives in Woodburn Oregon and has his studio no more than 30 steps from his home. This makes it very convenient since he is in his studio every day except Sunday. He is a man of Faith who loves his family. Speaking of family Gary is married to his wife and partner in his artistic life. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, one dog and one cat.

Gary’s artistic approach is to let the wood show forth its beauty. He approaches each piece of wood the same way, looking for the piece of art that is housed within the wood. Rarely does Gary have a concrete plan when he starts, but you will have to agree with the outcome, it is stunning.

Wood has taken on a new resurgence in the Artistic Field since the early 2000’s. There are a growing number of collectors around the world who are showing their appreciation of an old art form coming to life again.

Many of Gary’s pieces of wood have been salvaged from a burn piles. Gary believes that this art form is also a Green Form of Art. Taking wood that would have been burned, adding to our carbon footprint and turning it into a work of art.

Gary is not a production turner nor does he want to be in that field; although he does make some beautiful salad bowls and other utility items. His desire is to use the talent God gave him and share his love of wood with you.

Currently Gary has his pieces in 7 countries and 20 states in the USA. He has won a Blue Ribbon at the Tulip festival Art Show at the Glatt House Gallery. He has shown his work in Art Festivals across the country as far as Ohio.