Astonishing Moments in Nearby Nature:
Marquetry by Craig Altobello

Hidden beneath the bark is the remarkable and diverse color, grain, and texture of wood. In the art I practice, a centuries-old inlay technique called marquetry, thin slices of wood are put carefully together to form an image. I search for just the right wood to match the character of the piece I am creating.

This exhibit is inspired by my daily walks in nearby nature. My work celebrates the beauty of the life around me. Recently, I had begun to wonder how to convey a sense of concern for the threats to some of our local flora and fauna. As I pondered this question I consulted with other artists and friends at the Harris Center for Conservation Education. Then I came across the winter issue of the Harris Center’s newsletter and found an article by Bird Conservation Director, Phil Brown, about conserving American Kestrels, a small, colorful falcon. Phil agreed to provide text for this exhibit about some of the bird conservation projects at the Harris Center. Look for artwork that corresponds with three of the projects including the American Kestrel, Broad-winged Hawk, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. 15% of the sales in this exhibit will benefit the Harris Center’s Bird Conservation Projects.

About the artist:
Craig Altobello was introduced to woodworking in 1978 during a workshop with designer/craftsman Thomas Moser of Maine. Ever since, he has been making furniture for his family and friends. Craig has attended workshops at the Haystack School of Crafts and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. His path to marquetry grew out of teaching middle school science, where his students documented their outdoor explorations through art using cut paper collage. Craig saw the potential to work with the colors and patterns in wood to bring “collage” to his woodworking. He traveled to the College of the Redwoods in California to learn marquetry. The knowledge and skills gained in that course launched him into his current work. Craig is a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. He lives in Peterborough, NH.