firedance series

A native Californian and resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Gary Stevens captures and celebrates the natural element of fire, through his unique use of Redwood Lace Burl. Gary encapsulates what appear to be erupting flames, as they dance in the wind, in this remarkable Series. Rising up from its base, with their earthen hues of crimson red and gold, ever curling, turning, and reaching upward toward the sky. His entire Firedance Series is exploding with energy and movement, not unlike a roaring campfire.

Gary endeavors to create forms that are harmonious and have classical, yet inventive, aspects. The tools and techniques he’s developed over the years allow him to use the lathe in innovative ways to achieve organic sculptural forms that seem to defy the obligatory roundness of lathe turning. Through a painstaking finishing process, the wood comes alive.

Fire is part of the reality of forests in California and it is the fire that makes the forest stronger. We as humans are tested and it has been said that “fires test our mettle”. Gary’s pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and artistry in each piece, is continuously a test to rise to the level of this glorious material.

Vortex Series »
Shell Series »
Tectonic Series »
Firedance Series
Emerging Flowers Series »
Series Work »