Artist biography
I have been woodworking for over 20 years. In the beginning years I worked with several fine craftsmen who took the time to teach me the fine art of woodworking. I learned a great deal from them and have been inspired to explore different techniques and develop my own style. My continued involvement with woodworking forums and clubs helps me stay informed and also share my knowledge.
It all began when I was about 6 or 7 years old. During one of my dad’s construction projects around the house I picked up some molding, a piece of plywood, and some nails and built my very own end table. I literally poured some varnish on top and as it ran across the top and down the sides the piece was complete. I enjoyed that table for a while until it mysteriously disappeared. We still joke about that table. I have come a long way since. Taking classes in junior high through college I refined my skills. During that time I also worked at an antique restoration shop where I learned old world craftsmanship. After school I was employed by a custom furniture shop where I worked with several great craftsmen. I have since been employed by a San Diego based guitar company, where I was exposed to woods with fantastic grain patterns. I spend my free time in my shop designing and building furniture and other accent pieces.
The reason I love wood is that it is unmatched in visual appeal and texture. Wood is an incredible media; you will never find two pieces alike. Each piece can tell you a story of its life. By the growth rings size, shape, color, or irregularities, and by its figure you can tell its climate and what was happening while that tree was growing. With some pieces dating back hundreds or thousands of years they have been here longer than use and with proper care will outlast us.
Along with my wife Sarah, who is a tremendous inspiration to my creativity, I will continue creating one of a kind pieces that anyone would be proud to add to their collection. The future is bright. It will bring many challenges and interesting adventures. I also look forward to meeting and sharing information with as many people at our shows as possible.
Yours truly,
Rich Kerrell
It is difficult to nail down the start of my interest in woodworking. My Dad tolerated my presence in his shop and was instrumental in my practical approach to problem solving. Although I do not recall him actually instructing me, I do remember the rules of his domain. Number 1: Always put the tools away when you’re done and Number 2: Do not cut towards yourself. Over time I became comfortable using his drill press and the radial arm saw.
I took a wood shop class in high school and learned a lot about tool safety. I was not accepted in class being the only girl and decided not to fight it so I did not continue classes. I did continue to pester my Dad though.
Life after high school took me away from my Dad’s shop to another state. A couple of years went by pursuing other interests, a semester of college and moving again. I got a job in a small shop in Texas but didn’t take it seriously (too young then) and quit after a couple months.
My parents left the cold of Ohio’s winter to enjoy the warmth of Texas so I became the winter house sitter with all the benefits of my Dad’s shop. It was good to be home again.
I made picture frames for friends and family. I developed a pretty good design for a free standing frame that I dreamed one day would bring my name prestige.
I picked up a woodworking magazine in 1993 and fell in love with the band saw box design. Finally in 2003 I bought a 14 inch Delta Band saw and made that box. Then I made a few more of them. I picked up a flier that was advertising a local woodworking club and thought it would be cool to join. The talent in our club is amazing. I met my husband Rich through the club. As it turns out we have more in common than just our love of woodworking: his current employer employed me 1 year or so before he started working there. We say it is a small world and when you meet people and learn about them and discover how close our paths come to each other it is amazing.
Rich and his Mom Thais invited me to one of their Arts and Crafts Fairs and now I’m hooked. I am delighted when someone picks up a piece I made and admires it. At the shows complete strangers will share a story from their past, something on the table will spark a memory and they just want to talk. I come away from each show much richer than I started whether I sell anything or not.