Mark Nantz at the 2012 Craft Show
Mark Nantz is an artist who constructs wood vessels using materials that have unusual and dynamic visual characteristics. He then encases the vessel, or integrates it, with materials such as ebony or precious metals to create an exquisite containers that are an aesthetic delight. Mark received the Wharton Esherick Museum Prize For Excellence In Wood at the 2012 Craft Show.
“With every piece I make, my goal is for it to be clearly identifiable as my own and flawlessly executed”, explains Mark. “What inspires me most are ancient artifacts, architecture and industrial components. Repetition in design always gets my attention, such as the teeth on a gear or sprocket, the scales on a fish, or facets on a crystal”.
Work by Mark Nantz
His most recent series of works is titled “Artifact Series”. Commenting on his process and inspiration, Mark stated, “I find it greatly rewarding to successfully complete a challenging piece and to be consumed in the process of creating my work. My most recent works suggest they may have been exhumed from the ruins of an ancient civilization, or possibly made by an ancient craftsman to glorify his Gods or King”.
Mark’s detailed, precise approach to woodworking and his skill in combining multiple elements in a single vessel results in modern wood art that maintains its timeless form and function.
