I am a self-taught sculptor, furniture maker, drummer and observer of human
nature. I am a husband, father, lover of animals, mountains and trees. I am a movie
buff, jazz fan, and I am also, like everyone, on a journey.
My work is made from solid domestic hardwoods and carved using chisels, planes,
routers and chainsaws. After conceptualization, the building process begins by choosing
seasoned or kiln dried wood. The wood is then studied to understand what each piece
can offer to the work. I look for flat, stable boards, but will also incorporate
any knots, checks, or crevices that I feel will enhance the message of the overall
sculpture. The planks are edge glued like a table top: on larger pieces, the backs
are reinforced with cleats with oversized screw holes. This will help allow for
subtle wood movement that may occur through the years due to temperature and humidity
changes. I will often utilize rusted nails, brads and washers before finally finishing
the piece with natural milk paint and wax.
The work is very physical and requires a constant flow of motion and concentration.
I tend to use just a few specific textures and colors. This creates certain limitations,
or rather parameters, but, ironically, allows for more freedom to explore the ideas
and ideals put forth within this framework. Symbolic in nature, this work speaks
from my heart, arising from a personal desire to understand myself as well as others.
Kipley A. Meyer was born in 1958 and hails from Decatur, Georgia. Working with
wood since 1988, Meyer maintains a studio in the countryside outside of Atlanta,
where he lives with his family. Meyer exhibits nationally at various arts and craft
shows and galleries including Signature Contemporary Gallery in Atlanta, Grovewood
Gallery Asheville, NC and is an exhibiting member of the Piedmont Craftsmen in Winston-Salem,
NC.