Stephen Knowles lives in a special home carved out of the woods near the sea in Bahama Palm Shores, 20 miles South of Marsh Harbour. A specialist in preserving and teaching others about native plants and trees, he is surrounded with White Torch, Dogwood, Horseflesh, Madeira Mahogany, and Cinnecord trees. From the dead trunks, forked branches, and large chunks of limbs long gone, Steve creates masterpieces of turned wood. First he allows the wood to season or dry out, sometimes for several years. Then he selects just the right piece for what he has in mind and he makes rough outlines with a chainsaw. Next he uses a planer for smoothing and a lathe for shaping. Each item, be it a bowl, hurricane lamp, vase or other object, is carefully hand sanded, waxed and rubbed to bring out the beauty of the wood. The turned walls are thin and delicate, displaying the skill of this master craftsman. Steve takes his work to the next level when he inlays some of his work with gem stones in pleasing patterns and with a delightful use of colour. All inlay is polished to the point that it feels as thought is a part of the wood. Each piece is signed by the artist.

Steve's work reflects the beauty of nature and the plants and animals who inhabit this island paradise called Abaco. He pays particular attention to environmental issues and how they relate to the conservation of native Bahamian forests and fields, shore and dunes.

For additional photos of his work, please contact us at (242) 367-0137 or peter@theconchpearl.com