Brian Bortz

Artist's Statement
I am a self-described "high-tech corporate dropout" who left a never-stop environment in 2001 to pursue my passion of creating handcrafted fine furniture. Although mostly self-taught over the past nine years, I have recently trained with some of the finest contemporary American furniture artisans.

My work reflects the love of wood and its natural diversity, usually incorporating simple shapes and soft arcs with a complementary set of hardwoods and exotic wood veneers. I have recently developed "free-form marquetry," which incorporates organic lines and celebrates the natural complement, contrast, color and tone of wood in organic and geometric lines.

My work has received numerous accolades including the 2003 Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show Best New Artist award, and a 2005 Durham Arts Council Emerging Artist Grant. My work has been published in Fine Woodworking, The Craft Report, Custom Woodworking Business and the Raleigh News and Observer.

www.lostartwoodworks.com

Durham, NC

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