Cliff Johns - Wood

Artist Statement

Design and form have always been of great interest to me. I find woodturning is an excellent way to experiment with both. There seems to be no end to what you find when you explore wood. My woodworking interests developed early in life when my parents built the family’s first home in Seattle in the late 1950’s. During high school I worked in construction for a neighborhood contractor. It was during this time in a high school shop class that I developed my love of turning. After high school I entered a four-year apprenticeship program in Seattle and Honolulu to become a journeyman carpenter. At the age of 24 I was the superintendent in charge of my first large project, The American Forestry Pavilion Building at the 1974 World’s Fair in Spokane, Washington. During this time period I worked for a contractor that had a cabinet shop so I had access to a lathe. In 1981 I started my own construction business, building and remodeling some of the top restaurants in Seattle. In 1996 my mother gave me a large platter that I had turned in high school, which changed the course of my life. My interest in turning was renewed and I immediately bought a lathe and have since turned every chance I get. In 1999 I moved to Kailua Kona where I have designed and built a home and studio and am now turning full time.