About the Artist
Keith Newton has been a woodworker since his early teens. Throughout a lifetime, he has honed his skills. He always strives for harmony with the wood and the piece the wood finally becomes. Keith chooses his logs carefully and orients them on the sawmill for the maximum benefit the log will yield. The cut slabs dry for three and a half years. Logs are urban salvage and farm field pull-outs. It is important to him that the wood he chooses has been saved from a trip to the biomass plant.
Always driven to try new things, he taught himself to make violins. It was in that self-imposed tutelage he perfected his finishing techniques. Over many years, Keith has accumulated many machines and tools instrumental to his woodworking. Sanding and surfacing machines, elbow grease, and a fortune in sandpaper are the formulas behind his smooth finishes. Keith also has outstanding veneer and pressing capabilities for lovely panels, chests, and cabinets. His work predominately incorporates live edge.
The beauty inspires him in nature, and he wants to bring that natural feeling that the outdoors brings.
Keith works from his studio/shop on 2.5 acres in Fresno, CA. His many dogs are his constant companions and will greet you at the gate.
Background and History
Keith was born in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is an authentic Native American of Cherokee Indian Ancestry. His parents came to California the year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and moved into an undeveloped housing subdivision. Captivated by the rabbits in his yard as a child, Keith followed them into the places where they lived in nature. Keith discovered a whole world there. After becoming a woodworker, he found that the same happens whenever a wood piece is opened. Inside every large tree is a new world to be revealed. Keith believes the history of America can be seen inside a tree, often with a whole junkyard appearing. After several generations of humans living around a tree, one can inevitably discover all kinds of chains, nails, bullets, knives, and objects from American history buried inside a tree.
Background and History
Keith was born in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a true Native American of Cherokee Indian Ancestry. His parents came to California the year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and moved into an undeveloped housing subdivision. Captivated by the rabbits in his yard as a child, Keith followed them into the places where they lived in nature. Keith discovered a whole world there. After becoming a woodworker, he discovered the same happens whenever a wood piece is opened. Inside every large tree is a new world to be revealed. Keith believes the history of America can be seen inside a tree, often with a whole junkyard appearing. After several generations of humans living around a tree, one can inevitably discover all kinds of chains, nails, bullets, knives, and objects from American history buried inside a tree.
Background and History
Keith was born in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a true Native American of Cherokee Indian Ancestry. His parents came to California the year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and moved into an undeveloped housing subdivision. Captivated by the rabbits in his yard as a child, Keith followed them into the places where they lived in nature. Keith discovered a whole world there. After becoming a woodworker, he discovered the same happens whenever a wood piece is opened. Inside every large tree is a new world to be revealed. Keith believes the history of America can be seen inside a tree, often with a whole junkyard appearing. After several generations of humans living around a tree, one can inevitably discover all kinds of chains, nails, bullets, knives, and objects from American history buried inside a tree.
All of the Wood is Dried Outdoors
Keith is a true artisan with the ability to create all types of furniture art, choosing only the most beautiful hardwoods; Claro Walnut is grown only in Washington, Oregon, and California in urban salvage. All woods are renewable resources, with a new tree being planted every time one is taken down.
All of the Wood is Dried Outdoors
Keith is a true artisan who can create all types of furniture art, choosing only the most beautiful hardwoods; Claro Walnut is grown only in Washington, Oregon, and California in urban salvage. All woods are renewable resources, with a new tree being planted every time one is taken down.
Inspiration and invention
Keith has been woodworking since he took woodworking classes in his teens. It is one of the various hobbies in his life, including gemstone faceting and silversmithing. At one point, Keith explored violin making, carving, and bending wood to precise specifications to create pleasing sounds. He always gave his violins unique looks by using inlays.
Keith has lots of hobbies. He has a thirty-year history as a professional beekeeper, silversmithing, gemstone lapidary (that is why turquoise is in the furniture), and instrument maker of violins. Keith carries a vision to enhance any form by bringing the outdoors inside.
Inspiration and Invention
Keith has been woodworking from the time he took wood-shop in his teens. It has been one of the various hobbies in his life that have included gemstone faceting and silver-smithing. At one point, Keith decided to explore violin making, carving, and bending wood to precise specifications to create pleasing sounds. He always gave his violins unique looks by using inlays.
Keith has lots of hobbies. He has a thirty-year history as a professional beekeeper, silversmithing, gemstone lapidary (that is why turquoise is in the furniture), and instrument maker of violins. George Nakashima has profoundly impacted Keith’s work, and he carries a vision to enhance any form by bringing the outdoors inside.
Statements of Vision
Keith’s work is always evolving. Each piece stands in its own space. Keith is always learning and discovering new ways to see the wood and create new works of art. Being a true artist, all of his designs are works of art as they are functionally useful.
Let’s Work Together
I have worked for over 16 years with these fantastic woods and strive to make pieces that will look beautiful and last for decades. From intricate details in the carvings to uniquely designed furniture, I create each piece with meticulous precision to bring the beauty of nature into your life in the highest quality. My passion lies in celebrating the beauty of the wood by utilizing its unique traits and adding the perfect finish to show the piece’s elegance. No two pieces of my work are ever the same, and each is crafted with the utmost care and attention.
I enjoy the challenge of taking on any design and can create anything you can dream up. Please tour my gallery or contact me with any questions or project ideas. I am sure we can work together to make your dream a reality.
Statements of Vision
Keith’s work is always evolving. Each piece stands in its own space. Keith is always learning and discovering new ways to see the wood and create new works of art. Being a true artist, all of his designs are works of art as they are functionally useful.
Let’s Work Together
I have worked for over 16 years with these amazing woods and strive to make pieces that will look beautiful and last for decades. From intricate details in the carvings to uniquely designed furniture, I create each piece with meticulous precision to bring the beauty of nature into your life in the highest quality. My passion lies in celebrating the beauty of the wood by utilizing its unique traits and adding the perfect finish to truly show the piece’s elegance. No two pieces of my work are ever the same, and each is crafted with the utmost care and attention.
I enjoy the challenge of taking on any design and can create anything you can dream up. Please take a tour of my gallery or reach out to me with any questions or project ideas you may have. I am sure we will be able to work together to make your dream become a reality.
