John Gilluly: Master Artisan in Wood, Metal, and Ceramics

John Gilluly’s passion for craftsmanship began at five in his family’s cellar, where he worked on wood and metal projects with his father and uncle. In high school, he developed a love for ceramics, captivated by the spinning process and the skill involved.

John earned a BS in Material Science and Metallurgy, with a minor in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. This background has been invaluable in understanding wood structures, mixed material projects, and finishes. He further refined his pottery skills at three colleges, including Michigan State University.

Over the past 55 years, John has focused on woodwork, initially for home projects and furniture. His woodworking trajectory changed dramatically when he inherited a 1950s Rockwell lathe from a friend’s father. This lathe combined his love for wood with the spinning process of pottery, minus the glazing. After extensive modifications to the lathe, John realized he needed more advanced equipment to achieve his creative ambitions. He invested in a Powermatic 3520B 2 HP lathe, along with other essential tools, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.

John has honed his craft through formal education, hands-on practice, and specialized turning workshops with renowned experts David Ellsworth and Lyle Jamieson. His true passion lies in lathe work, where he explores various materials to create exquisite bowls, boxes, closed forms, and platters.

John’s work is deeply rooted in a philosophy of artistry in harmony with nature. He draws inspiration from the natural world, allowing the inherent beauty of the materials to guide his creations. By respecting the unique qualities and characteristics of each piece of wood, metal, or ceramic, John crafts stunning works that celebrate the essence of nature.

Since 2017, John has shared his knowledge through training classes for students with diverse interests. In 2024, he launched Site 19 Studios to share his love for handmade wood art with a broader audience, inspiring a community of woodworkers and art enthusiasts.

JOHN’S VISION FOR THE STUDIO

Woodturning is more than just a craft; it’s an intimate conversation with nature that begins with a fallen tree and unfolds into a dance of creativity and skill. This dance results in heirloom-quality pieces that can be cherished and enjoyed every day for a lifetime and beyond.

Imagine the satisfaction of opening up a large bowl or vessel with a gouge and witnessing, for the first time, the unique gift that the tree you harvested has to offer. The grain, texture, splits, and voids are magical additions that transform into a well-balanced and beautifully proportioned piece, each telling its own story.

At Site 19 Studios, we are committed to providing you with the resources, inspiration, and support needed to embark on this captivating journey. Let the wood whisper its story to you and allow your hands to shape its form.

We invite you to explore, learn, create, and share the enchantment of woodturning with us. Join our community and experience the magic of turning raw materials into extraordinary works of art that celebrate the harmony between humanity and nature.