wood turning artist
Thomas R. Irven is a wood artist who has been producing custom furniture in his Bellaire, TX studio since 1987. Thomas, who has a BS in Business and an MS in Occupational Education, has taught woodworking and drafting in the public schools and in private institutions. Irven apprenticed under an English master craftsman and has conducted seminars in which he has taught woodworking, woodturning, and design. Woodturning has always been a passion for Thomas, and played a large part in his furniture making. In 1998, turning wood became the focus of his work. Thomas is currently teaching classes in woodworking and is designing and producing woodturnings for wholesale and retail markets.
"I am committed to product quality and customer satisfaction. My commitment to quality is evident in every piece I make. The scope of my pieces have ranged from small decorative boxes and turned vessels to entertainment centers and church sanctuary furniture. In 1998 I made a major career decision to become a full time woodturner. I grappled with a need to evolve into woodturning from furniture making for some time, and gradually made that transition."
"I find creative balance and satisfaction in manipulating the forms I can produce on the lathe. My designs grow out of an initial respect for the rarity and extraordinary aesthetic qualities of the woods I use. Unusual materials deserve unusual presentations, so I search for unexpected forms that will reveal the exotic character of the woods. I can then modify these forms in any number of ways including, but not limited to, coloring and texturing. I find it very satisfying to know that my objects can enhance the quality of life by being both beautiful and useful."
Thomas R. Irven
5202 Willow St., Bellaire, TX 77401
713-666-6881