Featured Artist - 2008

John T. Sharp

A lifelong fascination with nature and the organic form, combined with 18 years experience in the industrial model and pattern making trade, has been John Sharp's introduction into wood sculpture.

Sharp is 10-time "Best in World" winner of the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition in Ocean City, MD. In 1996, John was presented the Master Wildlife Artist Award by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI. His work can be found in private, corporate and public collections including: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, OH; MBNA Bank; The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI; The Genessee Country Museum in Mumford, NY; The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD; Algonquin Gallery and Museum in Ontario, Canada; and Nature in Art, located in Gloucester, England.

Working primarily in black walnut and cherry, both locally abundant hardwoods found near his northeast Ohio home, John maintains a large stockpile of logs, most of which he cuts and hauls himself. The wood requires seasoning for years before it can be carved. He visualizes and attempts to execute a carving from a single section of log, the subject and elements being composed relative to the grain pattern of the chosen log section. Although carvings are roughed out with a chainsaw, the bulk of the carving is accomplished with hand cutting tools, many of which are Sharp's own design and make. Great attention is given to surface textures, and linseed oil is his basic choice of finish.

"I prefer the disclipline of using hand cutting tools and the constant maintenance and attention they require," Sharp explained. "My approach to sculpture is one of classic realism in which my handling of the subject matter and medium are a direct appeal to the viewer's sense of beauty and appreciation of the skill of human hands."

See John Sharp's work at the Masters Gallery exhibit at the Academy Art Museum.