Roger Harvey
Platter made from ambrosia maple by Roger Harvey
Bowl made with hackberry and alcohol ink by Roger Harvey
In-Town Gallery’s December show, Wood Works, features Roger Harvey's woodworking artistry. Mr. Harvey creates with grain, color, and texture as he merges craft with fine art. Be it a bowl, platter, or lamp, his designs make a dramatic visual statement, said officials.
Wood Works opens Sunday, Dec. 1, with a reception on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m.
“I primarily work with local woods,” Mr. Harvey says, “often with pieces that might otherwise be hauled away to the chipper. My favorite types of wood are Bradford Pear, maple, cherry, hackberry, ash, pecan, and walnut.”
But while the wood species is important, the striking coloration of many of Mr. Harvey's pieces comes from ‘spalting’. Spalting is caused by fungi that invade the fresh wood, creating abstract patterns and variations in color. Maple and hackberry are particularly prone to this process. Mr. Harvey will sometimes push this natural coloration even further with alcohol inks.
Mr. Harvey is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He directed the Arts and Crafts Center until he received his BFA degree. He was a potter and teacher on Cape Cod for 11 years before becoming a goldsmith. He owned a custom jewelry store in Boston for eight years before taking a position in the jewelry manufacturing industry. He is now an artisan whose passion is focused on the inherent beauty of wood.
Showcasing the creativity of local artists, In-Town Gallery is located ‘Between the Bridges’ on Chattanooga’s North Shore at 26A Frazier Ave. Mon-Sat 11a.m. - 6 p.m. and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays.