Dallas County
Wood Crafts
Mark Taylor is a self-taught craftsman who works in wood. In high-school Mark took a shop class and has been developing his skills and talents in wood working throughout his adult life. He has crafted dove tailed boxes, bookcases as well as wooden puzzles, cutting boards and whirligigs. Mark didn’t have much time when he was working full time to be creative, but now that he is retired he has been teaching himself how to hand carve spoons and snowmen. Each spoon is designed, carved with an ax and knives and finished by burnishing. Sometimes he paints a little milk paint as added color to spoons to add a little color. The snowmen are carved with knives and the details are carefully painted.
Woods that Mark uses include ash, magnolia, maple, walnut, oak and purple heart.
Mark can be found creating and carving in his workshop or in the living room of his home in Selma, Alabama. Mark receives advice and inspiration from his wife, ceramic artist Jo Taylor, a Black Belt Treasures artist as well. Both artists are proud parents of Zach and Bubba, their dogs, and their cat Katie. His work can also be seen at local arts and crafts shows in and around the Selma area.