As a sculptor, I approach my practice with a versatile mindset, not limited to a specific medium. My traditional background in carpentry has played a crucial role in shaping my artistic vision. Through my study of carpentry, I have developed a keen eye for space, form, and function. More than just a vocation, carpentry is the study of people. It encompasses the understanding of ergonomics, ADA compliance, affordance logic, and the development of home interiors, all of which aim to improve the comfort and well-being of those around us.
In my sculpture, I strive to anticipate the needs of the viewer, and through a semiotic understanding of an object, and the histories they elicit, I aim to kindle something within the viewer. By curating not only a visual but also a tactile, auditory, or other sensory experience, I guide the viewer into creating their own artful experience. As one person expresses what has been elucidated from within themselves to another person, a happening occurs. This is a new, genuine piece of art; it is the human experience.
I firmly believe that we play an active role in our existence through choice, but our environments significantly affect our perceptions of those choices. As a carpenter, I feel compelled to create environments that promote life and provide a place for people to come together. As an artist, it is an honor to engage with my community creatively and positively. As a human, it is truly a privilege to create something that lives on in the memories of others. I take great care with this privilege and believe that art should engage and change the viewer.
1. San Diego State University – 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
Master of Fine Arts - Furniture Design and Woodworking ‐ June 2021
2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock ‐ 2801 S University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Applied Design, Furniture Design, December 2017
3. Louisiana Technological University ‐ 700 W California Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, History, May 2009
4. Louisiana Technological University ‐ 700 W California Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, Political Science, May 2009
5. Hall Senior High School – 6700 H St. Little Rock, AR 72205
Year of Graduation – 2006
As a Visiting Assistant Professor of Woodworking, I taught courses emphasizing the interplay of craft, sculpture, and design; guiding students in developing the ability to think and communicate three-dimensionally through their work. My teaching responsibilities included courses such as Introduction to Woodworking, Advanced Woodworking I and II, Contemporary Craft, Computer Applications in Art, and Advanced Problem Design: Digital Fabrication. These classes centered on conceptual research, developmental ideation, and the progression of ideas from schema to finished form, enabling students to articulate and realize complex concepts in three-dimensional works.
In the classroom, I encouraged students to approach material manipulation as both a technical craft and a sculptural practice. Traditional techniques for creating armatures and establishing form were taught alongside contemporary methods, including 3D scanning and digital modeling, to help students navigate the intersection of tradition and innovation. Through project-based learning and iterative design processes, students refined their ideas, explored material language, and developed an understanding of how design decisions communicate meaning in physical space.
Beyond instruction, I maintained the studio as a safe and collaborative environment where students could experiment with materials and tools while developing their unique voices as makers. I mentored both MA and BFA students in building portfolios and preparing exhibitions, emphasizing critical analysis and intentional craftsmanship as essential components of their work.
My goal was to inspire students to understand craft and recognize sculpture as powerful tools for expression and problem-solving. Through this culture of exploration and precision, I prepared students to transform ideas into impactful three-dimensional works, bridging technical mastery with conceptual depth.
Design and Fabrication Consultant 5/2021- 8/2022 https://www.mikiiwasaki.com/ https://www.sunsetprojects.com/
https://www.mikiiwasaki.com/
As a Design and Fabrication Consultant at Sunset Projects, a design-build firm led by architect, sculptor, and furniture maker Miki Iwasaki, I contribute to the conceptualization, design, and execution of bespoke design objects, furnishings, interiors, and public artworks. The firm specializes in creating unique, client-specific projects while fostering community engagement through large-scale public art installations.
In my role, I collaborate on projects that range from boutique interiors, such as tea shops, to fabrication work for fellow artists, and the design, construction, and shipping of sculptures across the country. My responsibilities encompass design development, material selection, fabrication processes, and on-site installation, ensuring that each project meets both aesthetic and functional goals.
Notable projects I have worked on include:
“Interwave” (Morganton, NC): A large-scale public sculpture designed to foster community interaction and aesthetic dialogue.
“Facetime” (San Diego, CA): A site-specific artwork emphasizing spatial relationships and viewer engagement.
“Minecraft” (Denver, CO): A sculptural installation exploring modularity and urban narratives.
“Signalscape” (San Diego, CA): A dynamic installation integrating form, light, and movement.
“Astralgraph” (San Diego, CA): A contemporary sculpture that merges architectural precision with artistic expression.
“Children’s Park” (San Diego, CA): A revitalization project incorporating public art to enhance communal spaces.
This role has deepened my expertise in sculpture, design, and interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting my commitment to innovation and public engagement in the arts.
As a furniture designer and fabricator at Tommy Farrell Custom Furniture, I specialized in creating bespoke, high-end furniture tailored to clients’ specific needs. I worked closely with clients to conceptualize designs, translating their visions into functional and artistic pieces through sketches, scale drawings, and digital renderings. My responsibilities encompassed overseeing the entire fabrication process, including material selection, cutting, joinery, assembly, and finishing, utilizing hardwoods, veneers, metals, and advanced tools such as CNC routers and precision hand tools. I successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to strict timelines and budgets while ensuring client satisfaction. As part of a collaborative team, I addressed design challenges with innovative solutions, producing heirloom-quality furniture that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. This role allowed me to refine my expertise in woodworking, design, and project management, delivering custom pieces that consistently exceeded expectations and demonstrated my unwavering commitment to superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Art in Little Rock Gallery furniture
Governors of Arkansas’s cabinet room table
Children’s Hospital boardroom
Baptist Hospital boardroom
Murphy USA boardroom
Arkansas Department of Heritage conference table
Arkansas Department of Agriculture conference table
MEMS boardroom
American Taekwondo Association conference table
JB Hunt boardroom
CJRW conference table
The University of Arkansas Athletic Department student-athlete signing table
Bank of the Ozark Boardroom
Simons Bank Boardroom
Fay Jones, Pine Knoll dining table
Professional Accomplishments
Arkansas State University at Beebe Solo Exhibition, 2024
MIXD Gallery: Drop 4 - MAD DESIGN COLLECTIVE, Rogers, AR, 2023-24
Design Arcade – Furniture and design showcase, San Diego, CA, 2022
City of Hope Cancer Hospital – Collaborative work with Eva Struble, Irvine, CA, 2022
National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship – make/SHIFT – “Why Machines?” Panelist, 2022
Small Acts – Groups art show of craft artists, City College, San Diego, CA, 2022
Design in Blank – Group art show part of San Diego Design Week, Tecture, San Diego, CA, 2021
Facebook Open Artist - Collaborative work with Eva Struble, San Francisco, CA 2021
Maloof Foundation – 4 introduction workshops for woodworking, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 2021
The Answer is in Walking – MFA Thesis, San Diego, CA, 2021
MFA Chronicle – two-time appearance on Alexander Zimmerman’s Podcast, 2020 & 2021
[A]part, Graduate student art show, San Diego State University, 2020
Renegade Gaming, Collaboration with Matt Hebert, 2019
[A] PORTRAIT OF PEOPLE IN MOTION: OBJECTS of MODERN MIGRATION, collaboration with Kerianne Quick, New Americans Museum at Liberty Station, San Diego, CA, 2019
Matt Hebert teaching assistant – Haystack Mountain School of Craft, 2019
Interchange, Collaboration with Scott Polach, St. Luke’s Episcopal Community Garden, 2019
Adam John Manley teaching assistant –at Penland School of Craft, 2019
International Contemporary Furniture Fair – Student Showcase, New York, CA, 2019
Future, Past, and Present – Group art show, Downtown Gallery, San Diego, CA, 2019
Drought Tolerant – Graduate student art show, Jackson Gallery, San Diego, 2018
Wingate Tuition Scholarship, San Diego State University, 2018-2021
Tree of Knowledge – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Wingate Center of Art + Design conference table, 2017
Joan R. Taylor Scholarship – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2017
Signature Experience Award November 2, 2017
A. Wrappe Scholarship – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2016
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Art Summer Scholarship, 2016
Terry Jefferson & Joe Lampo Penland Tuition Scholarship, 2016
CompTIA A+ Certified, 2012
CompTIA Security+ Certified, 2012
CompTIA Network+ Certified, 2012
Bulldog Scholarship, Louisiana Technical University, 2006
Cisco Certification, 2006
Gold Palm Eagle Scout, Troop 59 Quapaw Area Council, Little Rock, AR, October 5, 2005