ALAN CARTER STUDIO
CONTEMPORARY TURNED SCULPTURES AND CUSTOM FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

 Welcome to Alan Carter Studio. I've recently begun a new phase in my artistic career. Starting in 1999, I designed and built custom contemporary furniture and accessories. Cabinets, tables, mirrors, clocks, and so on were the lifeblood of my existence. I worked with galleries and clients to create unique functional pieces for their homes and offices.

Now I've turned my attention, so to speak, to a different type of creative effort. My focus is on a more sculptural and less functional body of work featuring, in some capacity, elements turned on a lathe. Combining the two disciplines of turning and woodworking allows me to create vibrant and unusual sculptures that have a strong dynamic presence. The combination of round and flat structures give the pieces an energy and visual complexity that I find very appealling.

Even though functionality is not a major consideration, several of these vessels have a bit of storage capacity. They're called reliquaries, which are ceremonial containers for precious objects. A ring, a document, or a favorite little remembrance, or "relic", can be placed inside, hidden from view. Only the owner and a select few will know. Both pieces shown here are such vessels. Others may reveal hidden little surprises when the tops are removed.

As this new adventure progresses, I can see limitless possiblities- new ideas, different materials, innovative techniques, and above all, a whole lot of fun.

BIG NEWS!!!!! The piece on the left has been chosen as photo of the day for 7-7-10 on the World of Woodturners website. I've been so honored several times and it's always a big thrill.