Craig Kassan, Woodworker
Craig Kassan, Woodworker in Franklinton, North Carolina, turns wood to create wall sculptures, hollow forms, burl dishes and natural edge hollow spheres. He also designs and builds custom furniture.
Craig Kassan
Ever since I can remember I have been involved with some form of art or another, and give a great deal of credit to my grandfather. He always helped with my wood projects and had a meticulous attention to detail that he passed along. At the age of eight, we built a working toy sailboat together.
Selling my first pen and ink when I was 13, I continued on and experimented with other mediums including oils, acrylics and pastels. Granddad always made sure I got to the art store if needed, and encouraged and supported me with all my projects.
My grandfather felt I should pursue a career in woodworking, but I was afraid of loosing my passion for it. Instead I followed a career in the animal field where I became the dietitian for the Jacksonville Florida Zoo. While working there, I discovered the local community theatre where I began volunteering backstage, building sets and running props.
Having learned quite a bit about design I went to work for several different high end furniture and cabinet shops. Eventually in 1989 I decided to start my own custom furniture business, giving me more control over the designs, and the quality of the work as well.
