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Gary Mylnek
Wood Artist

I have always thought of wood as beautiful and unique.  I have worked with wood for years, but my artistic work really started ten years ago when I moved to North Carolina and then retired. My work specializes in nautical, nature and animal.  I create custom art including:
  • Wall scenes
  • Coat racks
  • Tabletop art
  • Wood sculpture
  • Cribbage boards

All of my work starts with an idea and as a first step I create an original full-size drawing using pencil.  This first step goes back to my early days as a design draftsman and technical illustrator when paper, pencil, and pen and ink were only used! I then select types of wood for their various colors, textures, and grain to give life to each piece.  I do not use stain but rely on each type of wood to add its own splash of color.  Some of my favorite pieces of wood have a “raw edge” and/or bark.  These add details for vegetation and landscapes.  I also look for distinctive grain lines to flow with the subject, such as gills on a swordfish, strings of a violin or bark on a tree. Sometimes things change from the original drawing, when choosing the wood for making each piece.  I may find a piece of wood that lends itself to better represent part of the scene or piece by adding more texture, color or depth, especially since I make all my pieces to appear 3D and not look flat. For some of the smaller pieces I make templates from the drawing.  I never strive to exactly replicate nature and animals but use my imagination to create an interpretation. I find it challenging and fulfilling drawing, then cutting, shaping, sanding and assembling the many wood pieces used to bring the work to life.  
 
My most recent works are seahorses.  I find them to be beautiful, and when I find pieces of wood, I picture what each seahorse will look like.  No two are alike in size, shape or personality. I also like to use scrap wood to create cribbage boards, as well as functional art, such as coat racks.  These always have a nautical theme including fish, diving helmets and lighthouses. In the end, when I am applying the clear finish, I thoroughly enjoy seeing all the different grains and textures light up to complete the finished work of art.

I would love to create your unique piece of art. 
Contact Gary at 651-335-7126 or garymlynek@gmail.com
Picture
 View Gary's complete statement here.
The Artisans Gallery on Howe, 114 S Howe St,, Southport, NC 28461-3818  - 910.363.4479  -  galleryonhowe@gmail.com
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