John Bryan Information

John Bryan has been creating special things in wood for over three decades. His career began while he studied woodworking and furniture design intensively in college at UNH while earning a degree in Environmental Conservation and Design. After winning a prestigious international student design competition he opened his doors in Maine in 1978 designing and building custom furniture. Four years later, a carved mantel commission set him on the path he has been on since. He has earned a national reputation for creating excellence in his fresh and unique approach to this age old art form. Carving wood certainly is an interesting way to spend a life in today's world. Even more so when this "over-50 something" weighs what digital technology has brought to our finger tips. Bryan says "I go to work each day carving wood in a centuries old tradition using chisels that were made for me over 200 years ago. Yet my second most important tool is my Mac computer , ramped up with technological marvels, which is my conduit to the rest of the world. It's provided opportunities to work with people who I have never spoken with on the phone, and to show my work to the world via cyberville. It can be confusing now and then as to which era gets my allegiance. Suffice it to say I am happiest in my studio, however this site is critical in it's task of leading you towards me." "Wood is a challenging medium in so many ways. One can be successful only by obeying it's inherent rules of engagement. A familiar and strong sense of caution still presents itself at the start of each piece, even after so many years of experience, no matter how much forethought has been put into it. It's the nature of wood. Success will be on its terms." "The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in exceeding original expectations is substantial. Few things can match the aura and soul of a masterfully worked piece of wood, carved or not. Reaching the top end of expectations is the goal. It's a lot of hard work, often risky, getting there. It's like having an ...