My wood working journey began in my father’s cabinet making shop. Since then I discovered and developed my woodcarving making figurines, carving flat panels with scenes on them, chip carving boxes, and exploring what interested me. Wood turning was a much later addition, when I discovered that I could use trees grown here in Alberta, cure them, shape them and make beautiful objects that are useful. Lately I have been exploring bring the carving and turning together and carving the surfaces of bowls I have turned. Working in a three dimensional form adds depth and character as I work with more than just a flat plane. And of course, the process is completely different from many other art form since the work is created by removing material rather than adding to a surface. Additionally the character of the wood, which often can not be anticipated, makes the creating an adventure. The wood will either give a gift or not let you do what you had in mind. In both of these mediums, the act of creating is a partnership with the material. I am often surprised at what emerges from a piece.
Gord Churchill grew up in the home of a woodworker and has been creating both useful and artistic work since the 1980’s. His carving was kicked into gear when he attended a summer woodcarving class. On his way home from the class he bought some tools, wood and carving books and has mostly self taught himself carving, inspired by carvings in Britain and France. He seeks to learn from the wood what it both wants and will permit as a medium. He has often said that his best friends is fireplace where unsatisfactory experiments go. He has exhibited sculpture in the the Calgary Stampede exhibition, and sent carvings to family, friends and customers in Europe and North America. He carves primarily for the joy of creativity, and as a way exploring shape, color, texture and design, as well as for leisure.
