Mark Gardner
Mark started working in wood at the age of sixteen when he enrolled in a furniture making class with his father at the University of Cincinnati. Furniture making is a slow process, and the immediacy of turning was very attractive to Mark. After struggling on his own for several years, Mark took a class with John Jordan. He credits John for giving him a firm foundation of turning techniques. John’s passion and commitment to his work continues to inspire Mark.
Mark is currently working on a series of highly carved and patterned vessels. The inspiration behind these pieces comes from several sources including the art of Benin, Africa and the islands of the South Pacific.
“I am attracted to the rhythm of the repeated patterns carved on various ceremonial objects. I like the subtle quality of the carving, like the black on black ceramics of the Southwest. That you may not notice how intricate some of the work is until you are right next to the piece, is for me, an important aspect of the finished piece. Combining a monochrome surface with the precise carving gives the work a quiet strength.”