Stephen Barlow

Artist Statement / Biography

Artist Statement
"I have been interested in woodwork since I was a boy and learned to appreciate the beauty of natural wood by spending time with my grandfather in his shop. It is part of who I am; I knew at a very young age that this is what I was meant to do. When I am working with wood, I become a part of it, my heart and soul goes into every piece I make. I love what I do and take pride in my craft; I am not just a builder, I am an artist who designs and creates functional furniture for everyday use. It is amazing to work doing something I love and know that my pieces will bring joy to people’s lives for generations to come."

"The choice of grain patterns in the wood, and the flow it creates with the lines of the piece, form the foundations of my work. My pieces start with a study of Shaker originals, then evolve into furniture that is all my own. The body of their work and the way it stemmed directly from the needs of their daily lives forms a bottomless well of inspiration for my craft."

"To me, the art of furniture making is a synthesis of functional, graceful design and well engineered construction."

"With functional simplicity as my primary goal, I build future antiques one piece at a time."

Biography
Stephen Barlow originated Shaker Style in 1989 as a one-person furniture building operation working out of a small garage in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Stephen is a third-generation New England woodworker who takes pride in carrying on the tradition of excellence passed down to him by his grandfather and great-grandfather. He still uses many of their tools today, further enhanced by his associates degree in construction technology.

By 1990, steady growth warranted the move to larger quarters. This was accomplished with the purchase of an 18th century farmhouse in historic
Harrisville, New Hampshire. Formerly a livery stable, the large barn was converted into a woodshop and cozy showroom.

Education:
1988-1990 NHTI; Associates Degree in Construction Technology & Self-Teaching for 30+ Years and continuing to learn & hone my skill!

Honors:
1999-2016 Invited yearly to demonstrate at Hancock Shaker Village Pittsfield, MA
2003 Invited to demonstrate my craft at Fruitland's Museum Harvard, MA
2005-2007 Juried in to display my work in the Keene Art Walk
2013 Best in Show at Fine Furnishings Show Providence, RI
2018 Juried to display work at League of NH Craftsman's Fair Mt Sunapee, NH

Professional Affiliations:
Juried Member League of NH Craftsmen
Member of Historic Harrisville
Member of The Friends Of The Dublin Art Colony
Member of New Hampshire's Own
Member of NH Made
Member of Monadnock Buy Local
Member of New England Forestry
Member of NH Timberland Owners Association
Member of Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
Professional Experience:
I have taught the art of fine woodworking to numerous apprentices in my shop.
My pieces, built to museum specifications, grace many fine homes from New England to California.