Details from a hanging wall piece, “Garden II.”
Image courtesy of: Galerie Magazine
Caleb Woodard is a second-generation woodworker and designer who, from a young age, was encouraged to make things with his hands. From early on, his talent for woodworking was evident but he brushed aside woodworking as a career because he perceived furniture making as something that was for people on “the Coasts.” He believed woodworking was something that you learned in design school, and not for someone like him who was from a small town in Tennessee.
A side bench.
Image courtesy of: Galerie Magazine
Woodard’s “second life” began after left an unsatisfying corporate job in Washington D.C. Initially, the artisan began by working at a wooden furniture maker’s shop at night and on weekends. Eventually, he was invited to design his own pieces for clients.
Little by little, he began creating special pieces for clients and gradually developed an impressive portfolio. It was at this point that Woodard committed himself to the craft full-time. His business took off through word-of-mouth and with the help of Instagram, which renamed him the “Wood Wizard.”
Beautiful carved table in a bleached wood.
Image courtesy of: Caleb Wood Furniture
Woodard is heavily influenced by sculptors and painters. All of the work he creates is made in his studio which is in his hometown of Springfield, Tennessee after six years in D.C. He hired a team of three artisans, including his woodworker father.
The move back home has been a good one for Woodard. He says, “It frees me up to focus on my work as opposed to rush hour and commutes and all the stress that goes on with that. Also, we have three small kids. So it’s better for us as a family in this kind of smaller community. I cherish that.”
In progress… carved cabinet doors.
Image courtesy of: Caleb Wood Furniture
The exploratory work Woodard designs ranges from sculptural lighting to intricately engraved and elegantly textured wood panels to chimerical furnishings. His pieces continuously push the boundaries of form and function while seamlessly showcasing a passion for the organic.
Using a wide range of materials that include wood, metal, stone, and glass… each and every piece is individually created. With the ethos that each design come artistically from his gut, Woodard has complete satisfaction after each one is completed. He says, “there will be someone out there who will appreciate it. I’m not trying to do work for everyone. This is far more authentic.”
Tables and tables galore!
Image courtesy of: Gramho
With a level of craftsmanship that is unique in today’s world, Woodard manages to astound even the most seasoned of artists. We are so happy that his Washington D.C. corporate job did not work out!