GARY LEAKE - woodworker
Gary Leake is a woodworker whose passion is to search the countryside for a special one-of-a-kind, piece of timber—be it cherry (a favorite), maple, walnut or cocobolo—that has character (meaning highly figured, tigered, spalted, etc) and turn it into a finely engineered and ultimately beautiful piece of furniture, so unique it is considered a work of art. After approximately 20 years as a professional engineer he decided to walk a different path, one that used his inherent artistic talent as well as his technical sense: woodworking.
Koa Rave - woodworking by Gary Leake
$2,000.00
“Out Front” Hallway Table Oregon myrtle, walnut SOLD
(detail)
Many of Gary’s antique woodworking tools and skills were inherited from his grandfather, a wonderfully patient master cabinet-maker. Gary’s technique tends to be influenced by methods and styles of earlier times, using antique woodworking tools and skills (although he does use a bandsaw from time to time). Other influences: ancient Japanese joinery, Shaker-style furniture, Colonial-style furniture, Early American hand tool techniques and a natural finish look.
Striking Contrast
Granadillo, blk walnut, stained glass SOLD
His creative process begins with concepts floating around in his head until the magic moment when he finds that particular piece of timber that triggers the project. The wood’s natural character, which acts as a catalyst for moving the abstract idea to reality, truly drives the final design. Thus each artistic creation is truly unique.
Serenity Oregon black walnut, American black walnut SOLD