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Artist: Richard Wilen
Born in Georgia, Richard Wilen moved to Eugene in 1974. Inspired by the verdant forests of Oregon, he began working with wood under the tutelage of the talented craftsmen in the workshop of the University of Oregon Craft Center. In 1977 he received an Emerging Artist Assistance Grant from Lane County for the purpose of buying tools and subsequently displayed and sold his hand-crafted carvings at the Eugene Saturday Market for several years.
In recent years, he has focused on crafting fine furniture and cabinetry utilizing woods native to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. His designs are grounded in historic woodworking styles, such as Shaker, Mission and arts and crafts, and blended with contemporary components. His work is wide, ranging from the utilitarian to those with more artistic focus featuring the natural beauty of the wood being used, or a particular woodworking technique.
Currently, he is exploring the world of lighting through a series of lamps of various sizes and designs inspired by the Mission style of the early 20th century.
In addition to being a craftsman, Dr. Wilen is a professionally trained archaeologist with a background in southeast Asian prehistory and the pre-contact native populations of Oregon. He also owned and operated an organic farm and nursery in the Eugene area for 30 years. He is now happily retired, freeing him up for more time in the wood shop.