Category
2026, WoodBio:
Larry Shafer is an emerging woodturner who lives just north of Fort Sill, OK. He is a retired Army office and former Software Safety Engineer who uses a mix of exotic and domestic woods to create wood products that have usability, are standalone presentation pieces or conform to ancient Greek/Roman vessels. Each piece is created using harvested wood left over from Oklahoma or Illinois storm damage or purchased from retailers who sell products legally imported and harvested using sustainable practices.
Larry’s journey began in 2017 with a phone call from his art mentor and friend who says “Hey Larry, let’s go to a Pen Making Class in Oklahoma City”. Since that year, each year Larry takes the approach, “can I make this” and continually works to improve his art. Every piece of his art is handmade; no CNC/Laser products. Current focus is on segmented art. Segmented art requires strict adherence and a discipline that forces Larry to focus.
On a normal day, you can see Larry standing in his workshop, listening to Sarah Brighton, Gregorian Chants, Pink Floyd, Neil Young or Led Zepplin while he creates art that he never thought possible from his hands.
Artist Statement:
My interest in wood began in earnest in March 2017 when attending a Pen Class. Since then, I’ve burnt out one Delta lathe and a couple of miter saws used a few boxes of Band-Aids to patch holes from careless mistakes. I’ve enjoyed this journey.
My art ranges from rudimentary to complex. When rudimentary, I try to display as much of wood’s natural beauty as possible. When complex, the art piece forces my mind to be strict, structured and follow processes until the final product. Failure to be strict means the art ends up in a bag for disposal. My primary tools are the table saw, glue and lathe but this year I’ve added the use of Dremel tools for carving designs into some products.
Each piece is created using harvested wood left over from Oklahoma or Illinois storm damage or purchased from viable retailers who use legal sustainable practices.
I try to balance my woodturning with an active retirement schedule but each year I attempt to gain more knowledge to create a broader range of art.