jon minerich - wood turner

I have always enjoyed wood working since my introduction

to the craft in junior high school. While I maintained my

interest over the years, family and work kept me from

having the time to create unique objects from wood. As I

approached retirement in 2014, I finally found the time to

enjoy my interest and woodturning became my hobby.

Now it has become my obsession.

Woodturning is an ancient profession that has been around

for over 6000 years! Some older wood turned objects have

been found in the ancient pyramids in Egypt. Traditionally,

the skill of making beautiful shapes from wood, has been

handed down from Master to Apprentice. While formal

apprenticeship programs aren’t common in the US any

more, several years ago the American Association of

Woodturners (AAW) was formed to fill this void by

conducting seminars, classes, and conferences. I became

a member and active participant. Today, I am the President

of the Lighthouse Woodturners, which is the local AAW

chapter serving the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. My goal is to

pass on this ancient tradition to others.

Generally I produce one-of-a kind, turned, colored and textured wood art. I enjoy producing

art based on classic designs. That said, exploring different techniques, shapes, colors, and

ideas have turned this hobby into an obsession for me.

As a young man, I grew up in the wilderness of Northern Minnesota, so my love of nature and a

clean environment has been with me ever since I can remember. Today, I try to “do my part”

by using repurposed wood whenever possible in all of my projects. On any given day, you may

find me scrounging construction sites, landfills designated for trees, or stopping by homes

asking for wood from storm damaged trees. Some of the wood I have found, is over 100 years

old! As a result, my final projects may not be perfect, because the wood I use contains natural

flaws. However, I believe these flaws add to the natural beauty of each piece.

I certainly hope that you enjoy looking at the pieces I have produced. Perhaps you will choose

a piece to bring home and enjoy. If so, I and the many generations of ancient woodturners that

have come before me, thank you!

Jon Minerich

Beautiful Wood by Jon