Studio of Steve Uren

Design Quest welcomes back a 2019 Holiday Market favorite: Steve Uren. Discover the unique designs of this Grand Rapids area master woodworker.

Unique functional and non-functional wood art including furniture, decorative shelves and cutting boards, clocks and artwork. Using domestic, high-figured hardwoods like birdseye maple, black walnut and curly maple. 

Artist Statement:
"From concept to design to creation, every step of the creative process is personally completed by me, without the use of apprentices or assistants. Using traditional woodworking tools and machines – table saw, band saw, planer, sander and various hand tools – I strive to create artwork out of the functional, beauty out of the mundane and something unique out of the common. My goal is to have each piece express great originality and absolute unmatched quality. 

Nature, landscapes and the beauty of wood have shaped my work. A sculpture, dresser or table will grow out of, and be built around, a single piece of inspirational wood. I begin with rough-cut boards, combining different high-figured species to create contrast. No stains or dyes are used. Instead, the natural colors and designs in the wood become a part of the art. 

I use sustainably-harvested, domestic hardwoods including birdseye maple, tiger maple, black walnut and cherry. The variety, uniqueness, depth and beauty of wood continue to be my driving force. I find just working with wood to be soothing and refreshing for my soul. I have created wood art for over twenty-five years but only in the last fifteen have I sold my work at art shows and galleries across the country." 
- Steve Uren