Bill Hodge
Reclaimed Wood Artist
My art is inspired by the beauty that hides just below the surface of salvaged wood that has outlived its original usefulness. I find satisfaction in giving old wood a new purpose and reclaimed beauty.
Making things out of wood has been a lifelong love of mine. While I am a passionate wood artist, my most joyous experience is standing in the presence of an old growth forest. I wish more of these grand trees were still standing. This dual passion is at the heart of my work: engaging in an art form, inspired years ago by my woodworking father, while utilizing materials that do not require cutting down more trees.
All of my art is made of reclaimed plywood—most often salvaged midcentury kitchen cabinet doors. Each piece highlights all of the natural colors of the plywood used. In some pieces I also include hardwood accents.
My art involves a multi-step process. I begin by choosing various patterns and colors of plywood edge pieces that are then glued together. In subsequent steps these initially glued-up pieces are sliced up, rearranged, glued up again, sanded and given a clear finish to create the final design.
Not knowing how my initial pattern and color choices will play out in the finished piece adds an element of randomness to the process, forcing me to give up some control over the final outcome. This element of randomness and the anticipation of how my choices will influence the final design is a huge motivator for my work.
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Artist Statement
"While I am a passionate wood artist, my most joyous experience is standing in the presence of an old growth forest."
