Eugene Watson
STATEMENT
I create sculptural boxes, bowls, and furniture from exotic and domestic hardwoods. Geometric and architectural shapes influence my original designs. I use various exotic and domestic hardwoods and occasional abalone shell for inlays. Hand and power woodworking tools of all types help me create my complex designs. A computer-aided-design program is utilized to draw and determine the final shape and appearance of my designs and to create templates and precise angle measurements for the often-complex joints found in my work. My influences come from architecture, geometry, mathematics, and my surroundings in the Rocky Mountains.
BIOGRAPHY
Eugene received a BS in Electronics Technology from Southern Illinois University. Before woodworking, he utilized his electronics degree designing the electronics components for airplane black boxes. He began making boxes professionally in 1990 from an old 1200 square foot loft near Chicago's Chinatown. In 1997, Eugene and his wife moved to Colorado where he now breathes fresh mountain air, enjoys milder temperatures, and listens to the wildlife while he works. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and mandolin.
Eugene received a BS in Electronics Technology from Southern Illinois University. Before woodworking, he utilized his electronics degree designing the electronics components for airplane black boxes. He began making boxes professionally in 1990 from an old 1200 square foot loft near Chicago's Chinatown. In 1997, Eugene and his wife moved to Colorado where he now breathes fresh mountain air, enjoys milder temperatures, and listens to the wildlife while he works. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and mandolin.
MORE
Publications
The Art of Making Elegant Jewelry Boxes, Tony Lydgate, (New York, N.Y.: Sterling Publishers, 1996). pp.128-129.
Fine decorative boxes, Andrew Crawford, (New York, N.Y.: Sterling Publishers, 1998). p. 139.
Celebrating Boxes, Peter Lloyd and Andrew Crawford (Hertford, U.K.: Stobart Davies, 2001). pp. 147-149.
400 Wood Boxes, The Fine Art of Containment & Concealment, (Lark Books, 2004). pp. 321-323, spine.
Author
Article “Mystery Box” American Woodworker magazine #65, (April 1998): pp 48-51.
Collections
Collections
Designed and built an ornament for the White House Permanent Collection, 1996.
