We are thrilled to spotlight Jeff Brunette, an artist creating a world of wood art with his extraordinary creativity. For more on our social media post, click here.
Jeff Brunette, a Colorado-based artist, has made a significant mark with his unique focus on wood as his primary medium. His journey began in 2007 when he earned a B.A. in Graphic Design and started working for an advertising company. However, Jeff soon realized that a graphic design career would not fulfill his creative ambitions. In 2010, he pivoted to study Landscape Architecture, seamlessly blending his passion for design with his love for natural elements. After receiving his Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado-Denver in 2014, Jeff played a crucial role in expanding a startup design firm in Fort Collins and later opening a second office in Denver. His landscape architecture work, which includes botanical gardens and sensory gardens, has garnered national and international acclaim, earning several awards from the American Society of Landscape Architecture.
Artrepreneur Artist Jeff Brunette working on a new piece in his studio.
In 2018, Jeff discovered his true calling in fine woodworking, where his meticulous attention to detail, affinity for nature, and design passion converged. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 offered him an unexpected opportunity to delve into woodworking as an art form. Despite initial hesitation, Jeff embraced this new path, joining a community woodshop to hone his craft. The positive feedback he received propelled him to establish his own wood/art studio in Arvada, CO, where he continues to create stunning works of art.
“Reflections” (2021)
“Reflections” is a 30″ x 48″ diptych that showcases intricate craftsmanship with a central circle composed of Walnut, Birdseye Maple, and Zebrawood, seamlessly aligned within a painted white pattern. The careful assembly and carving of the wood elements highlight the artist’s precision and dedication. With its reversible panels, this piece offers a dynamic and versatile visual experience.
“Loom & Wood 1” (2022)
“Loom & Wood” is an exclusive series by artist Jeff Brunette, comprising ten meticulously handcrafted works that explore the interplay between textiles and natural wood. Each piece features select hardwoods from around the world combined with upcycled vintage rug fragments, offering a tactile and visual feast of intricate patterns and striking wood grain. The occasional use of white paint enhances the compositions, yet the natural colors and textures remain the focal point. This series invites viewers to appreciate the harmonious blend of materials, imbuing them with new purpose and meaning.
Jeff shares, “One technique I use is to 3D model each design, including the space it will occupy. If it looks and feels good digitally, I’m confident in the final product. This 3D model serves as a bridge from concept sketches to detailed woodworking instructions, balancing precision with room for intuition.” This innovative approach underscores Jeff’s dedication to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring each piece is both visually striking and structurally impeccable.
In his own words, “The relationship of complex patterns within the natural world is what inspires my work. A mix of art and wood, to balance the expected with the unexpected, my work expresses the natural beauty of wood through an artistic lens. I love working with a natural element like wood because no two pieces are alike. Every cut from the same species will have a unique texture, grain pattern, and color that is varied to some degree, making each piece a highly collectible work of art. Primarily, I compose my work around the natural color found in the wood, while at times I use white paint to frame a particular aspect or idea of the design.”
Artist Jeff Brunette working on a new woodworking piece in his studio.
Stay updated with Jeff Brunette’s latest works and exhibitions by following his Artrepreneur profile. For a glimpse into his creative process and daily inspirations, check out his Instagram. Jeff Brunette’s approach and unique artistic vision continue to captivate and inspire, marking him as an artist to watch.
