Tipton, Dick
Artist Statement
As far back as I can remember I have been interested in the construction and building of useful items. Not just something that lays on a counter or desk and does nothing, but items that have a useful purpose. I was first introduced to woodworking in my 7th grade woodshop class and since that time wood has been the medium I use to in expressing my artistic nature.
From the vary simple four sided jewelry box I built my mother in 1958 my woodworking has evolved into a more refined form of joinery. Much of the furniture pieces I make today reflect the feelings from the “Atrs and Crafts” movement of the early 1900s. I enjoy the straight lines and very functional nature of the “Arts and Crafts” period. The work of Gustav Stickley has had a profound influence on the design and construction of my woodworking projects. I have made many Stickley reproductions from the early 1900s to furnish our current home.
Ouartersawn White Oak and Cherry from the east coast are used in many of my pieces as well as many exotic woods from Africa and South America. A quality product can only be obtained by starting with quality materials. I do not try to compete with the Costco type warehouse furniture stores. Producing a quality, handcrafted item which could become a family heirloom is my goal, not mass production.
About Dick Tipton
I grew up in the Alder and Vine Maple hills of Western Oregon and in 1962 enrolled at Oregon State Universtiy where I completed a BS in Agriculture. After a short stint in the Army, my wife and I settled near Ontario, Oregon where we owned and operated a row crop farm until the middle 1990s. During the cold winters in Eastern Oregon I spent many days in my farm shop building and repairing farm equipment and doing woodworking projects. I retired from the farming operation in 1995 and moved to Yakima, Washington where I biult a new shop and carried on my interest in woodworking. In 2002 we moved to Sisters, Oregon and purchased a building lot. The first building on the lot was a woodworking shop where I designed and built all the cabinets, doors, window and door trims and other finishing items for our new home. We moved in at Christmas 2003 and I started building craftsman style furnature for our home.
My interest in woodworking is an ever evolving process. Sawdust must make up a large part of my being.
In addition to woodworking I am an avid fly fisherman, birder and enjoy the outdoors of Central Oregon.
Artist Code: DBT
