Gary Havener - Wood Art

Artist Statement:

I am woodworker who believes that functional pieces in our daily lives deserve to be beautiful as well.  I try hard, not to force a piece of wood into a piece but rather let the piece of wood morph into furniture that is unique beautiful that highlights the lumber’s qualities and built to last a lifetime.  I use environmentally friendly finishes for the health of the house and the owner.  The pieces are finished to a smoothness that encourages people to touch the work.   
I find inspiration in both the raw wood and the nature that surrounds me and prefer to use wood that native and sustainably harvested. The willows I use in many of my pieces are ones I myself have harvested in Centennial valley.  Since young adulthood I have been curious as to how best to draw out an individual piece of wood’s innate beauty.
Most of my furniture has been built for specific clients, but I also show pieces at Laramie Artists Project’s Touchstone. 
It is my belief to build lasting, affordable pieces of furniture that clients can enjoy for years to come.

Artist Bio:

Gary grew up in the Midwest, and began building furniture for his family when he was in high school.  Then he worked as a carpenter building houses, first as a framer then a finish carpenter.  His attention to detail drew attention to his work.  Adventures took him to Wyoming where he found land and built his own house, painstakingly peeling and setting logs.  Then he began to build furniture for both his house and other people in Centennial Valley. He has built custom furniture for many clients- from shoji doors to beds to buffets. His preference is native hardwoods.  Often he buys hardwoods direct from small owner mills in the Midwest.  It allows him to both find distinct woods that are ideal for one of a kind furniture and to support small business owners like himself.

When Gary isn’t building furniture he is in the garden or running long distances on Sheep Mountain.