Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott & Stephanie Shangraw

Hi Scott & Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Scott and Stephanie’s journey started over 20 years ago. After selling a successful health food business, They decided to pursue the world of arts. First creating incredibly sculptural fine furniture, they made the transition into creating one of a kind carved wood sculptures.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Like all artists, there are many struggles and hurdles to overcome. First is finding your own unique niche in a world filled with many talented artists. They struggled with this for a few years, after they decided to stop making furniture, and concentrating strictly on the sculpture aspect. They tried multiple different techniques and ideas, till one day it all just clicked together. They are now known for their intricate carvings of tunnels, waves, bends and folds in varying sizes, including wall sculptures. What sets them apart is their ever changing shapes and unique techniques they like to add, such as stone inlays, glass inlays and more. They are always evolving and staying ahead in their creative ideas, to stave off becoming complacent or bored.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Their artistic journey with wood began as a pursuit to uncover the hidden beauty in nature’s raw, unrefined forms. With every piece they create, they strive to transform salvaged wood into stunning sculptures that convey the fluidity, movement, and wonder of the natural world.
At the heart of their work is a deep respect for the materials used. Each log and burl selected tells its own story, waiting to reveal its essence. This process starts with the powerful strokes of the chainsaw, where the broad shapes of the design emerge, capturing the foundational spirit of the sculpture. From there, they refine the piece using grinders and other tools, shaping delicate waves, intricate folds, tunnels, and ribbons. This meticulous process results in sculptures that evoke the illusion of movement, as if the wood itself were alive and flowing.
Scott and Stephanie’s creative approach is both intuitive and intentional. Sometimes, a vision leads to search for the perfect piece of wood to bring it to life; other times, the material itself dictates the form it will take. This dynamic relationship with their chosen medium keeps their work fresh and grounded, reflecting both the intentionality of their vision and the serendipity of the artistic process.
Nature remains their greatest inspiration. Living amid its beauty allows them to infuse their work with a sense of authenticity and reverence. They are fascinated by the fluidity and organic forms found in the natural world, which they seek to echo in their sculptures. Moreover, the elegant forms of glass art inspire them to explore new possibilities in wood, pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally expected from this medium.
As self-taught artists, their journey has been marked by continuous exploration and innovation. Each sculpture is a culmination of years of learning, experimentation, and a deepening understanding of wood’s capabilities. They incorporate unique inlays, patina techniques, and textured surfaces to add layers of depth and individuality to each piece, ensuring that each creation is distinct and memorable.
Through their work, they aim to celebrate the beauty of nature, highlighting its complexity and grace. Their sculptures are not just artworks; they are a testament to the endless possibilities within the natural world, shaped by their hands and guided by their vision. They hope their art inspires others to see the world through a lens of curiosity, appreciation, and wonder.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?

There are no particular resources they use for their ideas. Sometimes scanning pictures on the internet, or looking at glass artists for inspiration. Mostly the ideas spring up out of Scott’s creative imagination and progress from there into incredible wood sculptures. Scott is a rare and raw artist, that can see an idea in his head and make it come to life using the crudest and most dangerous of instruments, bringing out its inner beauty. This God given gift is celebrated and enjoyed by all that are lucky enough to admire that talent and take a piece of it with them.

Pricing:

• 350.00
• 10,000

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shangrilawoodworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shangrawwoodsculptures/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shangrilawoodworks.shangraw
• Youtube: @scottshangraw
• Other: blog-www.shangrilawoodworks.wordpress.com

Image Credits

Ron and Atalanta Kirk