About:

As a woodworker I strive to represent the tree as best as possible and provide it with a new life as an art piece to be enjoyed by all.  The uniqueness and beauty of my work has already been created by nature long before I come in contact with the wood and I feel it is my responsibility to display it in an appropriate way. When this is accomplished a piece of art is created from a tree. Hence “Art From Trees.” 

In the late 1970’s and 1980s Dukes Designs was a woodworking company my uncle operated and after a long dormant period I have taken over the name and logo.  To this day the smell of black walnut and maple burl remind me of when I was a young kid in my uncle’s shop.  Perhaps that is why I enjoy using those species so heavily today.  

Wood choice is of paramount consideration when creating a piece.  I spend a great deal of time and energy searching for pieces of magnificence; each as individual as a fingerprint.  More often than not the grain, color, shape, and unique character of the wood dictates what kind of piece it will become and not the artist.  
 
My passion for creating Art From Trees has led me to a career in woodworking and teaching others to uncover what has been provided by nature in the form of trees.  I feel fortunate to have the job of a woodworking teacher. I get to work with hundreds of individuals who have endless ideas. My skills in design and execution are often challenged which makes my personal woodworking better. Through woodworking my students and I have developed mutually beneficial relationships; we inspire each other’s work, we push each other towards new styles, we feed off of each other’s energy, and we learn from each other’s mistakes.

To be sure, there are many individuals out there with greater talents than mine.  I am just a guy who loves what he does and am thankful for the opportunity to pursue a passion.  Thank you for taking a look around my site and I hope you see something you enjoy.  

Colin Dukes