Gary Preston's mind sees things in wood that don't
exist until his talented hands pull them into reality.
”Sometimes I know what I want to create,“ says the Proctorville native. ”Other
times it finds me.“
A carpenter by trade, Preston has always worked in
wood - constructing tables, cabinets, desks and so on.
Preston, a self-described dabbler in many of the arts, found his true love in wood
sculpting three-years ago. His creative interests grew when he discovered the Ashland
(Ky.) Woodcarvers group.
Since that time, his craft has grown as has his
reputation.
Currently, some of Preston's works - both wood sculpture and paintings - are on display at
the new Pendleton Art Gallery on Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky.
”Some of my best work comes from random pieces
of wood I find in the woods or on my property,“ Preston says.
A self-taught artist, Preston says he uses the natural shape, design and texture of the
wood to ”see“ what's inside.
One such piece, ”The Root of Dance“ was
created when Preston saw the movement of a dancer within the shape of the wood.
Though walnut is his favorite wood for carving, Preston says what he sees in the wood, not
his preference for the type of wood, dictates whether he'll carve it.
The sculpture ”Red Horn“ is made of cottonwood bark, for example.
Preston's first attempt was that of Chief Joseph of the Nex Perce tribe of Oregon that had
been created out of firewood. The success of this first piece started a domino effect with
a variety of Native American woodcarvings including Geronimo and Sitting Bull and other
inspired pieces.
Preston's sculpting talents also work their way toward natural species of everyday
life-like animals such as frogs, elk or black bear.
Preston also constructs instruments where he has carved a lion's head bearing teeth on the
handle of a dulcimer.
Since wood carving can be tedious, time-consuming and frustrating, Preston turns to other
types of medium, such as acrylics, to keep his passion alive.
”Sailboats at Dawn“ is one of many oils on canvas on display at the Ashland
gallery.
Regardless of the medium, Preston says he works meticulously.
”I start on a project with an idea, most of the time, then I sketch it out,“
Preston said. ”Other times I might make a clay mold.“
Though not exact, his step-by-step process prohibits unnecessary error and unwanted
frustration.
”I work on multiple projects all the time, says Preston. ”Carving is intense and
when it gets too much I move back to painting or working on a lathe.“
