Artist takes time to produce treasured items

Larry Weese Jr. said he got into wood art as a hobby.

“I started turning in 2005,” he said. “And I started the lathe in 2009.”

The Ravenswood, West Virginia resident was the subject of an exhibition at Ohio University Southern in October and November, where several of his bowls and other items were on display.

Many of the items were functional, such as plates and sushi servers, while others were more abstract.

Weese said in his artist’s statement that, due to his passion, he thinks of the pieces as his craft, rather than work.

“I’m self taught, whether that’s good or bad,” he said.

Weese said the more he worked at it, the more he wanted to learn.

“I joined the Mountaineer Wood Turners and learned with those guys,” he said, explaining that they used videos to teach them techniques and to replicate pieces.

“Then, what I do, I make it different,” Weese said, noting the embellishment, piercing, carving and other things that give his work a unique flavor.

Often using salvaged from downed trees, Weese said he likes to keep the imperfections, such as knots and holes, to keep the connection to nature, allowing the grain and imperfection to determine the form the final piece will take.

It is a long process, but one he said is fulfilling and gives him a sense of accomplishment.

“My craft requires time and effort to create,” he said in his statement accompanying the show. “It is not my goal to create volume. I simply want to release treasures that you will be proud to display in your home or give as a gift.”

For more information on Weese’s work, visit wwww.weesewoodgems.com.