Carter Sio
Shelf #1
Plywood & Driftwood
Carter Sio
Shelf #2
Plywood & Bamboo
Photo by Chris Pinchbeck
CARTER SIO
Carter’s participation in the Fellowship Program is due to a term long sabbatical from his position as the director of the George School woodworking program, a position he has held since 1984.
“I arrived on April Fools Day, 2007 with a van full of materials, a head full of ideas, but without a definite project to pursue. Since arriving, I’ve found myself drawn to working with materials that contrast, not only in color but in texture as well. I also found myself wanting to work with these materials in as true a form as possible.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel in the West Indies, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Korea and Vietnam doing Quaker service. While in these countries, I have always been acutely aware of how resourceful the poor in those countries are. Homes are built from found materials as are toys and animal shelters. Often Bamboo is the primary building material; fast growing, strong and undeniably beautiful. It has been finding its way into my work for years.
I promised myself that during this time at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship I would not get caught up in the minutia of fine furniture building. My goal is to focus on having fun and being playful in my work during this two month sabbatical. It is my hope that these pieces convey that goal effectively.”