Hello. My name is Rick Rea. I started Artistic Turnings in 2003. My
chosen medium is wood, and woodworking. My primary interest is
woodturning. I have been working with wood, such as furniture making
and carving for about 25 years. I became interested in turning about 12
years ago and haven't looked back since.
Turning wood is such an incredible joy and pleasure. Every time I put a
new piece of wood on the lathe I'm never really sure what the end result
will look like. The grain is different in each piece, as well as the pattern,
color, and texture of the wood. As a rule, the wood dictates what it will
be. I am also a member of the American Association of Woodturners, the
National Woodcarvers Association, the Southeast Missouri Arts Council,
and a very proud member of the Cat Ranch Art Guild.
I am primarily self-taught. I have taken a couple of workshops in the
past, but for the most part I'm learning as I go along and try new things.
Nature is my biggest inspiration. Some of my work is reminiscent of
Southwest Native American Indian pottery. I consider all creative people
to be mentors. They may not realize it, but I learn something from each
person I meet.
My work is can be found in England, Sweden, Germany, Poland and
China, as well as most of the United States. I have been invited
to show my work in Colorado and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Maryland as
well as some colleges and smaller venues. I have won several Judges
Choice Awards and other ribbons. The Telegraph, a newspaper in Alton,
Il. ran an article about me a few years ago. The title of the article was
"Turning Wood Into Art". And that is what I always try to do.