Local Artist Gary Johnson uses the technique of segmented wood turning to create his extraordinary wood works. This technique is used to create a very intricate type of wood vessel.

Mr. Johnson first became interested in wood turning in a high school woodworking class. He was inspired to develop his style of segmented wood turning after a trip to the Southwest in the early 1990's.

The beautiful Native American woven baskets captured his imagination and he now strives to emulate the Native American's heterogeneous textile patterns in his segmented wood bowls.

As a retired aerospace engineer, Mr. Johnson thoroughly enjoys the complex and exacting nature of this process. 

The process begins by laminating contrasting woods into a patterned plank. Next, according to carefully determined measurements, the plank is cut into segments.  The segments are then assembled into a disk and the disk is cut into concentric rings. These rings of wood are then stacked and glued mixing the contrasting woods into elaborate designs. Finally, the piece is perfected and smoothed by turning it on the lathe.