A Legacy of Artistry in Wood

Crafted with Passion and Precision

I’m John Lucas, a woodturner based in Cookeville, TN. My woodworking journey began in my early twenties during my time in the Air Force, and over the years, it’s evolved into a lifelong passion for woodturning. My career as a photographer at Tennessee Tech University spanned 27 years, and during that time, I devoted myself to exploring the art of woodturning. This dedication has brought my work into national exhibitions like the “Best of Tennessee” show in 2022 and 2024, and I’m honored to have won “Best of Show” at the 2023 Tennessee Association of Woodturners symposium.

For the past two decades, I’ve shared my love for woodturning through articles in industry magazines and by teaching at esteemed institutions such as John C. Campbell Folk School, the Appalachian Center for Craft, Arrowmont, and the Mark Adams School. My passion for the craft has taken me across the country, where I’ve had the opportunity to teach and connect with woodturning communities at clubs and symposiums.

Rooted in Nature, Driven by Vision

My passion for woodturning is deeply rooted in my love for design and the beauty of natural forms. Inspired by the architectural principles of Frank Lloyd Wright, I believe in creating pieces that resonate with the world around them. I’m constantly observing shapes and patterns, drawing from nature and the everyday to fuel my ideas. Much like photography, which I studied alongside the works of Ansel Adams, woodturning involves visualizing the finished piece long before it takes shape in my hands.

For me, woodturning is about more than just working with wood; it's about bringing an idea to life within the boundaries of the material itself. Many artists look to “think outside the box,” but I find that creativity flourishes within constraints. Each piece of wood has its own story, and my goal is to reveal it, one turn at a time.