TennesseeSelf-Taught Jon Cordes was greatly influenced by his father, a Presbyterian minister and amateur artist. Jon’s father would take his family to numerous art shows and exhibits, including his own exhibits in the New Jersey boardwalks and Delaware city squares. This enabled the Cordes family to grow an appreciation for art and to see the beauty in God’s world despite its brokenness. His compositions are inspired by the Atlantic coastline with its sand dunes, palm trees, and sunlight. With this inspiration, woodworker Jon Cordes enjoys creating works of both design and function. Bird carving was introduced to me by my father. While beach combing, he found an old decoy without a head. He carved it a head, which opened my eyes to the satisfying pursuit of woodworking, the wide world of birds, and their astounding diversity. I hope in some small way to reflect the beauty of God’s world, being a co-creator and creating a small snapshot of His handiwork.