Butler County
Wood/Metal
Art
“I have always been a ‘wood gatherer’” said
Harry Dearing. He has been creating wood
and metal items “sporadically for about fifteen years” after being inspired by
a local craftsman, his wife, and his parents who are also creative and
encouraging.
Harry’s “palette” consists of wood from
naturally felled trees, ones that Butler County has cut, and from small local
sawmills. The ideas for his work comes from the wood itself, which as he says
“typically, they just have to speak to me”!
If using dry wood for simple pieces, several weeks is the time period to
complete a project.
Most of the wood that Harry uses comes from
the Black Belt, and he says that having people commission a piece he has made
is most rewarding and enjoyable.
When Harry was asked if he was passing his
enthusiastic talents working in wood and metal on to anyone else he answered
“Hopefully!” Although he does not “teach” he “shares” his work with others.
Harry’s
work is also on display at the High Horse Gallery in Greenville, AL.