My studio is located in Truckee, CA in a converted barn on a wooded hillside behind my home. I live in a lovely forest, high in the mountains and my art is inspired by life here. The abstract but recognizable images are also influenced and energized by the natural wood medium I work in, and by the beautiful setting and natural wonder of our mountain paradise.
I love working with reclaimed wood salvaged from local structures. It’s a challenging material with history, character and personality. The wood itself rewards this effort by adding a strong voice in the feel of the piece. It’s not a blank canvas, wood has depth and beauty and complexity even before the artwork is carved and painted. Additionally, my purpose-built, custom wooden frames compliment and complete the presentation and feel of each piece.
Carving art into wood produces a deeper and more textural effect than can be achieved by flat paint on canvas. Light interacts with the carved surfaces – shadows and movement change as lighting evolves throughout the day and the seasons. The warmth and grain of the wood adds motion and energy to the composition.
Like many artists, I start the process with drawings, often sketched on my iPad and then create digital renderings using computer design software. I specify tool paths and carve the resulting designs using a custom-made CNC router. Next, I hand paint the design elements, build a frame, install it and apply finishing coats to the panel and frame. It’s a complex and lengthy process that involves drawing, painting, computer design and all the skills and resources needed for coaxing ancient wood into a new, contemporary art form.
The end result is modern, rustic, ecologically sensitive works of dimensional wall art inspired by the beauty of the Tahoe Sierra, using aged materials reclaimed from local structures, created using cutting edge technology and a modern aesthetic as well as traditional technique.
Garrison Green
530-205-6900
garrisongreenart.com