Allen Davis

I believe that art can be, and should be, combined with functionality.  My work has value for my buyers because I focus on function.  Creating artful one-of-a-kind items from natures’ bounty with a utilitarian purpose seems to be the best of both worlds– practical, yet beautiful works of art.

With that in mind, I make food safe bowls and  salad tongs, platters for use as chip and dip trays, burl slices for use as cheese trays, cutting boards and bottle stoppers to protect opened wines and oils.  I also make desk tools, pens and boxes, ikebana to showcase a gardener’s blossoms, oil candles and vessel sinks for powder room or bar.

My segmented pieces have become my signature.  When designing a precision-cut pattern, I like to incorporate as many wood species as possible to lend complexity with balance and symmetry. I am inspired by spalted patterns, a result of decomposing cell structure.  This primitive effect on wood reveal unique designs that I use with modern materials and methods.  I find it very satisfying that 80% of my wood is recycled from waste bins of other woodworkers.