The Black Hills—whether shrouded in a mysterious cloaking fog, blanketed by a layer of quieting snow, or dancing with spring wildflowers—are the enduring source of inspiration, and sometimes the palette, for my work. My goal is to craft a form pleasing to both the eye and hand, while challenging my skill and creativity with each new piece. Mastering the lathe is not an easy task…but the journey th
ere is infinitely compelling. A native of South Dakota, Jerry Green grew up in the rural foothills and plains surrounding Rapid City. As is the case with many young men growing up in a blue-collar family, Jerry and his brothers bought and rebuilt cars and motorcycles, and then raced them. Rushmore and the beautiful Black Hills also gave Jerry generous opportunities to experience nature in its many forms. This gave him a unique view; somewhere between mountains and plains, urban and rural, mechanical and natural. After graduating high school, he soon joined the Air Force during the Vietnam era as a jet engine mechanic. During his several years abroad, Jerry found a love of functional art. This began with blown glass fishing floats used in Guam, and continued with furniture, vessels and toys. After his service, Jerry returned to Rapid City, SD to become an automotive machinist and welder. During this time, Jerry continued to rebuild and race cars as a hobby, and became a master with machine tools such as the lathe, milling machine, grinder, and drill press. His love affair with wood didn’t begin until the early 80’s when he started to experiment with furniture. His early work was influenced by the Arts and Crafts designers, Gustav Stickney and the Greene brothers, as he focused on the contrast of different woods and the beauty and functionality of finely crafted joinery. It wasn’t until a chance visit to a Santa Fe gallery, while on a family vacation in the mid-90’s, that his attention was drawn to using his tools of trade as a new avenue of artistic expression. The lathe has now become the primary focus of his creativity. After retiring, Jerry devoted his time to become as much a master of using a lathe with wood, as he was already a master with a lathe and steel. In recent years, he has discovered and continues to explore the mystery and attraction of the vessel form. While continuing to use wood as his medium, he studies the work of both ancient and contemporary clay artists for inspiration. However, unlike the potter who builds up a vessel with clay, Jerry reverses the process, revealing the art within a piece of wood by peeling away the layers a bit at a time. His work has been seen in “American Craft” magazine, Western Heritage Center, Prairie Edge, Blue Dog, Dakota Nature and Art, and Arroyo galleries and is in many private collections around the country. Jerry’s work continues to evolve as he explores new techniques. But no matter what direction his work takes him, he strives to always bring a love of form and wonderment to his work. Awards:
Best of Show—2009 Red River Revel Art Festival, Shreveport, LA
Merit Award—’11, ’10, ’08, ’04, ’03, ’02 Red River Revel Art Festival
Juror’s Award—’07 & ‘05 Red River Revel Art Festival, Shreveport, LA
Best of Show—2005 Art Affair on Kemp Square, Wichita Falls, TX
Best Display Award—2003 Paseo Art Festival, Oklahoma City, OK
Invitational Exhibitions:
2/25-5/7/2011—Moments—Where Artisitry + Craftsmanship come together—Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City, SD 57730
2005-2011—Annual Artists of the Black Hills Juried Art Show and Sale
2008-2011—Jon Crane Children’s Home Society Benefit Auction, Rapid City, SD, Benefiting the Creative Arts Program
2007—Western Art Show @ Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD
2005—Collective Show in Miniature, Blue Dog Gallery, Lead, SD
2004—Loft Gallery at the Horse Barn Arts Center, Sioux Falls, SD
2002—Furniture & Accessories Show, Smatterings Gallery, Rapid City, SD
2002—Contemporary Wood Turning, Wave Gallery, New Haven, CT
Publications:
“Insights”, Crafts Report, June 2002
