John Edmond (T.J.) Christian

Dallas County

Woodwork

T.J said he has always enjoyed wood carving and was inspired by the “wood creatures” he saw during a visit in North Carolina. He started experimenting with wood faces about three years ago (2011). The materials that are used to create his “faces” include driftwood, old lumber and wood from the forest. He looks at the wood for ideas of how the face could be carved from each piece of wood he is working with at the time. Each face is completed from six hours to two days.

Other family members that have created works of art include his mother who liked to paint, and his grandson has started carving as well. T.J. enjoys making children’s furniture as well as restoring antique furniture. He is aware of influences of the many unique artists that have been and are from the Black Belt. He said he “enjoys seeing his own piece of wood turn into something special.”