John Lynch was born in Chicago, IL. He attended college in Missouri, receiving a B.S. in Industrial Technology. During college, John was introduced to furniture design, fabrication and lathe work, and to the great hardwood forests, where he spent a lot of time fishing, hunting, and admiring Nature’s Splendor, which would set him up for his artistic work throughout his life.
After serving in the Army, John and his young wife Peggy, took on a major project of renovating a 1903 millionaire’s mansion on an island on Rainy Lake, MN, into a fishing retreat. At the same time, they were building and running a wonderfully, rustic restaurant that was reminiscent of the lumberjack era. After 15 years, John and Peggy moved to Estes Park where John began to pursue his main interest—woodworking!
John has been a resident of Estes Park, Colorado since 1984, and has devoted himself to woodworking full time. He continues to seek new and innovative designs while continuing to hone his time-honored techniques. The concept of simplicity in design has always intrigued him, and most recently, the lure of Early-American folk Art in the form know as “rustic” or “twig” art captured his imagination. Subsequently, John has sought to blend utility with aesthetics in a furniture style he calls “Rustic Elegance.” John’s furniture has caught the eyes of many people, including the Archdiocese of Denver—who commissioned him to build a remarkable armoire for Pope John Paul, who visited Colorado in 1993 for Youth Days.
John has diverted most of his recent attention to
bowl turning. He loves the challenge of turning a large chunk of wood into a work of art. He says that his goal is “to find the unique characteristics that Mother Nature placed there and to collaborate with her to draw them out and share them with the world.”
He certainly does just that. John turns a variety of bowls, from rustic and multipurpose utility bowls to paper-thin vessels and hollow forms, to wall hangings or just art pieces. One of John’s most spectacular techniques is etching and burning graphic designs into his creations. He often enhances his pieces by introducing natural stones such as turquoise, into his designs. The end result being a unique creation enhanced by natural and dramatic color. For years, John’s delightful work has inspired awe and admiration. Whether influenced by Native American; Irish/Celtic; or Asian cultures, John Lynch’s woodworking is an eclectic blend of superior talent and taste that is appreciated as a timeless classic.
John’s work is featured in his own gallery located on his property in a
studio above his shop. He’s more than happy to give demonstrations in his shop and tours of the gallery. Learn more on the
visit page or just call him on his cell
970-227-5129.
Shop available items and see John’s
portfolio of previously sold work.