Ridgeway, WI ARTIST STATEMENT"I make things of wood that I'd like to have myself: functional pieces that are quiet, peaceful, and a pleasure to touch and look at. My approach emphasizes select materials, structural integrity and utility. I like to let the wood do the work to coax nature to imitate art." Edward's work is known for its masterful design, seamless joinery and liquid-smooth finish. He has also designed a variety of limited-production pieces including blanket chests, stools, benches and coffee tables and an extensive line of bird's-eye maple cutting boards, which are sold in shops and galleries worldwide.Edward, with his family, has made his home and workplace among the pastoral hills and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. "I have always wanted to live and work in a quiet, beautiful, open place. With the help and support of my wife and business partner Ann, and a goodly amount of luck, we've found that place. If people see beauty in my furniture, it may be because I find beauty in my everyday surroundings." BIOGRAPHYMaster woodworker and designer Edward Wohl graduated from Washington University in 1967 with a BS degree in Architecture. He has been designing and building graceful wood furniture since 1970. Although being greatly influenced by a summer spent in the home and workshop of California woodworker Sam Maloof, Edward points to long-time friend and industrial designer Bill Stumpf as his primary source of learning and encouragement. "We became close friends in school, and later I worked for Bill, making models and prototypes. I greatly admire Bill and his work, and continue to learn from him to this day." A mission statement, sort ofI disguise trees.Fellers trundle them inslabs, and stack themcrosswise in a darkened waiting room. I fret and pace: which are the readycandidates? What shape and functionwill console the Cherry, cut forever fromits fruitful reign?What would the Burr Oak now become,having been protector and provider for greysquirrels of distinguished lineagefor (count the rings) so many generations?Maybe this—no, rather; that—I grieveUntil you call and say you needa place to sit, to store your Sunday suitsor hold your pots and pans or treasures.You free my mind so hand and eye cango to work. The wood and I conspire;we have to please all three of us. Successmeans we all live a little longer. – Edward Wohl