ArtWorks Gallery's featured artist for November is Michael Hoots, in an exhibit titled "Turning Wood Into Objects d'Arte." There will be an oening reception during First Thursday, November 6, 2008 - 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The exhibit runs through November 30th.Michael Hoots started MatMar WoodWorks several years ago after becoming tired of the corporate world. "At the time I focused mainly on home renovation trim carpentry and custom decks while living in Georgia. MatMar WoodWorks took a few years hiatus when I decided to reenter the corporate world as a manager of a chemical plant in Ohio and then relocated to Indiana as a General Manager/VP of a small locally owned business. When asked to relocate along with the business, I decided to make a living doing what I really loved, working with wood".
Michael was introduced to wood working by his father and grade school shop teachers. As his skills and tool collection grew, so did the complexity of his projects.
A few years ago Michael made the choice to either learn how to use the lathe given to him by his father over 30 years ago, or give it to one of his sons and let it gather dust in their homes. Once he learned the basics he stated: "I was addicted".
Michael's first pieces were simple bowls and plates made out of solid blocks of wood. He began gluing various species of wood together after reviewing a 1976 article in "Fine Woodworking" on segmented bowls. He stared experimenting with different forms, deriving inspiration from ancient vases in National Geographic, forms in nature and other art sources. He eventually realized that the secret to a beautiful piece of turned wood lay not only in the turning, but in the preparation and especially the finishing. Now over half his house and most of his workshop is covered with pieces waiting to be turned.
Michael's current work primarily consists of segmented turnings made from both domestic (ash, walnut, maple, osage orange) and exotic (wenge, rosewood, purple-heart) woods.
Michael states that: "I am constantly trying new forms, techniques and finishes. A lot of time and effort is put into each piece and I want everyone who owns one of my pieces to be completely satisfied. The look and feel of a carefully crafted piece of woodworking can bring warmth and personality to a room like nothing else can".
" MatMar WoodWorks was named after my sons, Matthew and Marshall. They have always given me great joy and I consider them to be my best work".
ARTWORKS GALLERY'S MISSION - as a non-profit, cooperative artist gallery, our mission is to serve the Muncie community, provide local artists a facility to exhibit their art and to provide educational opportunities and affordable art to our community.
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