By Carolyn Martens
Jim Dupler teaches wood turning at various community locales and shows his work at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and at CCA Gallery in the Carmel Arts District.
How would you describe your art?
“Wood turning is one of the oldest forms of wood working. It gives me more control than other methods because both my hands are free to hold sharp tools while the wood is moving on a turning lathe. I craft wood harvested from fallen Indiana trees and then add interesting features by hand with piercing and carving.”
How did you get started?
“As a young man, I learned from European craftsmen who had gone through a rigorous seven-year apprenticeship. That process instilled a very accurate and disciplined work ethic in me. For many years afterward, I owned my own woodworking business that included custom furniture, cabinets and antique restoration. Now I focus primarily on making art pieces and teaching.”
What do you like best about working with wood?
“I like that it can be both functional and pleasing to the eye. My favorite type of wood is cherry because of its tight grain and beautiful color.”
Find Jim’s work at ccaartgallery.com.
