Booth 227
(See Map Below)
About the Artist
Doug Hill is not just a woodworker; he's a craftsman with a lifelong love affair with woodworking. With 35 years as a master carpenter in northern NJ, Doug honed his skills in building and renovating homes, often crafting custom furniture and woodworking projects for discerning clients.
In 2017, Doug embraced a career change to align with his true passion: woodworking. His artistic journey centers around a unique skill: the ability to assess a wood blank and visualize the masterpiece within. A true artisan, Doug allows the intrinsic qualities of the wood and the tools he uses, primarily the lathe, to guide the creation of each piece. His repertoire extends beyond the lathe, showcasing versatility in designing and crafting trays, chess sets, boxes, and more.
Doug's approach is organic; he evaluates a wood blank with a broad design idea, letting the wood's natural characteristics shape the final project. The result? Every piece is a unique work of art, with unforeseen discoveries in the wood, be it a natural void, occlusion, or grain pattern that becomes a highlighted feature. Sustainability is at the heart of Doug's work, with over 90% of the wood material sourced from reclaimed sources; trees naturally downed in storms, removed for safety, or cut due to disease. This commitment isn't just about environmental responsibility; it's a deliberate choice to eschew mass production. Doug takes pride in the fact that each handcrafted piece, utilizing reclaimed materials, is inherently unique. No two pieces are exactly alike, reflecting his dedication to creating distinctive designs that stand as one-of-a-kind expressions of art.
Based in Waldwick, NJ