About the Artisan

Fine-Woodcraft Artist John Welles was raised in Aztec, New Mexico with an adoration for nature. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from New Mexico State University and worked in professional wood-crafting trades for 34 years. Welles became a National Board-Certified Teacher and Carpentry Instructor in New Mexico public schools and taught cabinetry at the University of New Mexico.

John loves to design and create practical and beautiful items from wood, including kitchen tools, wall hangings, furniture, and cabinets. His woodcraft features Southwest designs influences. This artisan loves working with wood, because of it’s desirable colors, textures, grains, figures, strengths, and workability. John is an expert in woodworking machines, tools, design, and layout, employing techniques such as wood turning and chip & gouge carving.

The wood materials John uses depend on the property of the wood that best fits the project. He enjoys using recycled, repurposed, and rescued woods in some of his projects, paying attention to patina that has been left for prosperity, including names carved into bleacher wood. Artisan John Welles balances form and function, believing the things we use in daily life should be beautiful. Join John in his love of durable, clever designs and fine heirlooms.