AMI Member Profile
I
started in marquetry quite by accident in 1983, while trying to find something
to occupy my time after retirement. I was making cribbage boards and I put a design
on one. My barber asked to see it and when I showed it to him, a customer in his
shop said, "Oh, marquetry". My reply was, "Is that what it is?"
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"Catch"
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Later,
he introduced me to his father, Cliff Baxter, who invited me and two others over
for a demonstration at his home where the fever caught me immediately.
Cliff
taught me a little bit about how to do marquetry but most of what I have learned
comes from doing it, making mistakes and watching others. I have made over 200
pictures, each recorded with a serial number, plus over 150 more small demonstration
pictures and small box tops.
I
enjoy introducing marquetry into people's lives. One way I do this is through
donating marquetry projects to schools and other organizations. In 2004, I donated
12 to 15 marquetry boxes with marquetry on the lids for various causes.
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"marquetry box"
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I am a charter member of the Columbia River Chapter. A few years ago, Cliff Baxter
"railroaded" me into becoming the Chapter President, a position from
which I have been unable to extricate myself from. In a round about way, he did
this same thing and made me Treasurer of the AMI.
I
attempt to teach people how to do marquetry the way I do, but emphasize that I
feel there is no one correct way to do it. The end result is what counts, not
the method in which you used to get there. Each person should work the way that
is easiest for them.
"My 1st Car (Winter 1943)" |
In
1991, I retired from the Chemical Products Division of Crown Zellerbach/James
River Paper Company, as the Head Chemical Process Technician.
My
hobby before marquetry was being a Ham Radio operator. I now do mostly marquetry,
though, as well as other miscellaneous wood projects including building frames
and small jewelry boxes.
Editor's
Note: Gerry's commitment to marquetry is shown in many ways in the Pacific Northwest,
including his practice of teaching others how to do it . If you or someone you
know is interested in learning marquetry, Gerry provides a beginners lesson, free
of charge. For more information, please contact
Gerry directly.
