Terry Evans has built a long career around a single idea: wood can be shaped into far more than functional objects. Instead of furniture or traditional carving, he creates sculptural vessels, boxes and layered forms that highlight colour, grain and motion. His work stands out because it treats wood almost like a fluid medium, allowing curves and laminated patterns to lead the design.
Evans began exploring wood at a young age, first attracted by its texture and warmth. Later he spent many years balancing two paths — teaching art and developing his own studio practice. When he finally shifted into full-time wood art, he arrived with a strong understanding of form, balance and visual rhythm. Those qualities became defining features of his work.
What sets Evans apart is his method. He starts by laminating multiple layers of veneer or hardwood into a single block. Sometimes he uses natural woods, sometimes dyed veneers, and at times a mix of contrasting tones. This process creates a billet with hidden lines running through it. Once he begins carving and shaping, those lines emerge in waves, spirals and shifting bands that wrap around the piece. The effect is organic but controlled, giving each artwork a distinct identity.
His vessels often read as sculptures first and containers second. Many take on rounded, polished forms with smooth transitions between surfaces. Others lean toward sharper geometry or bold asymmetry. The variation shows how he uses the laminated block as raw material for experimentation. Even simple pieces, such as single-chamber boxes, gain depth thanks to the patterned layers revealed during carving.
Evans also produces stacked boxes and multi-part objects where small bead-like details, stepped lids or tiered sections create movement. These works combine technical precision with a playful approach to shape. Instead of hiding his joinery, he celebrates it through clean lines, crisp edges and a finish that invites close inspection.
Over the years his work has appeared in exhibitions across the United States. Museums, craft shows and wood-art events have included his pieces, noting their strong visual impact and meticulous craftsmanship. His long list of awards — including Best in Wood and various excellence recognitions — reflects how consistently he pushes the medium without drifting into unnecessary complexity.
Finishing plays a central role in his style. Evans prefers surfaces that feel natural and warm, allowing the grain and lamination lines to stand out. The polished look is smooth but never artificial. It reinforces his belief that wood should retain some of its natural presence even after intense shaping and sanding.
Today Terry Evans continues producing new work, often debuting fresh designs at art fairs and exhibitions. Although the techniques behind his vessels have remained steady, the forms keep evolving. Some pieces explore tighter curves, others focus on colour contrast or bold silhouette. Despite these changes, the core idea stays the same: wood can be sculpted into art that captures both movement and structure.
Evans proves that laminated wood is more than a technical trick. In his hands it becomes a language of line, colour and form, turning simple layers into expressive, timeless objects.
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