Author: satin_matt

Tri-Colored Blackbird Cabinet

Tri-Colored Blackbird Cabinet is heading to Loveland, Colorado

Continuing the theme of portraits of endangered or threatened bird species, may I introduce my latest: a wall-hung cabinet featuring a Tri-colored Blackbird. Cabinet is framed with Jatoba, with American Cherry interior. The door is softly curved, and has a curved Wenge pull. The marquetry pattern on the front wraps around on both sides of the cabinet.

The Tri-colored Blackbird is found in California’s Central Valley where it congregates in marshes and croplands. Tri-colored Blackbirds are declining due to extensive wetland loss and agricultural practices in the farm fields where they now nest.

The cabinet will be headed to Loveland, Colorado, where it will appear in an exhibit entitled “Marquetry: An Evolution of Art and Wood” at the Loveland Colorado Museum. The exhibit will take place from July 10 through September 26, 2026.

Tri-Colored Blackbird Cabinet Tri-Colored Blackbird Cabinet Tri-Colored Blackbird Cabinet

Something New – a cabinet featuring Goldfinches!

During the Open Studios Art Tour in Santa Cruz I am excited to be showing a new piece, just finished – a wall-hung cabinet I am calling Goldfinch. After Open Studios, which ends 19 October 2025, the piece will be entered in the Artistry in Wood exhibit at the Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa. That show runs from 13 December 2025 until early May 2026.

I hope you get a chance to see it at one of those events. Thanks for looking!

Wall Cabinet – Goldfinch
Wall Cabinet – Goldfinch

 

 

 

Monterey Bay Marquetry Mural in my Studio this weekend

I’ve been working on a very special project for almost 2 years now and it is finally finished. The photo below is just a small teaser from a large 4′ by 8′ marquetry mural depicting a Monterey Bay scene. Its the largest and most involved marquetry project I have done to date. I have a little time before it needs to go to its owners, so I’d like to show it to you in my studio before it gets delivered.

Open Studio, this weekend, 28-29 June, Saturday and Sunday, from 4pm to 8pm. If you are in town and have the time, please stop in for a visit. And if you’d like to see it but this weekend doesn’t work, please contact me to see if we can set up an appointment.

It would be lovely to see you.

location: my studio in Scotts Valley, CA

time of the event: Saturday & Sunday, 28-29 June 2025, 4pm to 8pm both days

Artistry in Wood Exhibit at the Museum of Sonoma County

I’ll be showing my new wall cabinet “Little Glory” at the 2024 Artistry in Wood Exhibit, opening Friday 6 December 2024, and continuing until 2 February 2025.

Artistry in Wood is an annual exhibition presented by the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association (SCWA) in partnership with the Museum of Sonoma County. Staged every year since 1988, it is recognized as one of the premier fine woodworking shows in North America and has become a favorite among museum visitors.

The museum is located at 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa, California. For more info call the museum at 707.579.1500.

LOOK! Holiday Gift Show

I’ll be showing giftable items at the LOOK show on Sunday, December 15th. Wearable art such as pendants and earrings, along with toaster tweezers (which were the hot item during Open Studios this year!)

There will also be handknitted hats and fingerless gloves by Donna Thomas, clothing by Christina MacColl, paper arts by Felicia Gilman, paintings by Dave Gardener,  photography by Janet Fine, wood cut prints by Bridget Henry, ceramic tiles, light switch plates & clocks by Beth Sherman, handmade soap by Kachina Schoos, and more.

Plus, food and drink, a cozy fire pit to warm up by, and live music. I hope you can make it, it would be lovely to see you.

LOOK show, Sunday 15 December 2024, from 11am to 5pm, at 5221 Coast Road in Santa Cruz, 5 miles past Western Drive.

Artistry in Wood Exhibit at the Museum of Sonoma County

My EXTINCTION AVIARY series is included in the Artistry in Wood Exhibit at the Museum of Sonoma County. The exhibit will be up through 7 January 2024.

My Passenger Pigeon piece was awarded Best of Art. The judging panel included the Sierra chairmaker Robert Erickson, and Gary Smith, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the American Craft Council.

Passenger Pigeon

The museum is located at 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa, California. For more info call the museum at 707.579.1500.

LOOK! Holiday Gift Show

I’ll be showing giftable items at the LOOK show this Sunday, December 10th. Wearable art such as pendants and earrings, along with cell phone holders, and toaster tweezers (which were the hot item during Open Studios this year!)

There will also be handknitted hats and fingerless gloves by Donna Thomas, clothing by Christina MacColl, paper arts by Felicia Gilman, paintings by Dave Gardener, jewelry metalsmithing by Albion Smith, photography by Janet Fine, wood cut prints by Bridget Henry, ceramic tiles, light switch plates & clocks by Beth Sherman, and handmade soap by Kachina Schoos.

Plus, food and drink, a cozy fire pit to warm up by, and live music. I hope you can make it, it would be lovely to see you.

LOOK show, Sunday 10 December 2023, from 11am to 5pm, at 5221 Coast Road in Santa Cruz, 5 miles past Western Drive.

Open Studios Art Tour

I will be participating in the Open Studios Art Tour on two weekends, October 14, 15, and 21, 22. Hours are from 11am to 5pm. I’ll have new work, including music stands, wall art, and wearable art such as pendants and earrings, and I will be doing marquetry demos throughout the day.

wall panel
Warblers with Cat

I will also be hosting two guest artists out in the garden: Sally Fuess (paintings) and Pete Koronakos (found-object sculptures).

Open Studios is a program of the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County. Hours are 11am to 5pm, October 14, 15, 21, and 22. Artist numbers 180, 181, and 182. Sally will be here both weekends, and Pete will be here the first weekend only.

Thanks for looking. Hope to see you this weekend or next!

Matt

Featured

Do you want to learn Marquetry?

The marquetry class in June went so well that I am offering another one in September. It will be held over the last two Saturdays, 23 and 30 September 2023, from 9am to 5pm in my shop near Scotts Valley, CA. We will learn double bevel marquetry using handheld scroll saws, and explore advanced techniques and design options. I have two powered scroll saws in the shop that students can also try using (a Hegner and an Excalibur). The cost is $395 for tuition, plus a $55 materials fee. Each participant will take home all the tools and supplies they need to continue to practice the art and craft of marquetry.

There is a pdf file with more information here, or send me an email if you are interested and I will provide more details.