Douglas Stowe
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Boxes have always had a fascination for me.
They invite activity in the imagination as we wonder what is
inside. I began making boxes for a local jeweler in 1976 as
presentation boxes for his handcrafted jewelry. He began selling
them without jewelry and I found myself in the box business. Boxes
offer me the opportunity to create without the limitations imposed
by customer's specifications. They keep me busy between furniture
commissions, and enable many people to own my work. Most important
is the opportunity they present for dialog. My boxes have become a
way for me to share my interest in and concern for our American
forests. I enjoy using a variety of lesser known woods in the lids
and make my own inlays displaying our native woods in their natural
colors. I like to list the names of the woods in my signature so
that the customer will know the woods used in the piece. I use
spalted woods as inlay on a number of my boxes. Spalted woods are
colored and patterned by the natural process of decay. I harvest
the wood at just the right time, after it has been patterned, but
before it is too soft for use. I have begun using reed and other
natural fibrous materials in my work called "Winter Woods". These
pieces are inspired by walks in the woods, pausing to touch a
branch or vine when the leaves are down and the branches are bare.
Look for my work in your local craft gallery. If you would
like to know more about how my boxes are made, please look for my
books, Creating Beautiful Boxes With
Inlay Techniques and Simply
Beautiful Boxes. If you share my interest in our American
forests, please check the Environmental Links.
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