ABOUT THE ARTIST

Bern Ilenstine, an Iron Worker by trade, and former owner of a steel company, now retired, has been working with wood for over 40 yers and is a self-taught Master Craftsman.  Having worked in many facets, his true love is Exotics and Hardwood.  While these woods are more difficult to sculpt, requiring a considerably more skilled hand, Bern has found that the end result is unbeatable.  The Hardwoods are more colorful having greater depth, and are extremely long lasting.  He takes pride in the fact that his unique pieces will last for generations.

 

With no assistants, and no apprentice, Bern creates each piece with his own hands and no two wood turning are alike.  He uses no pattern, but designs each piece using his imagination and creativity.  

 

Bern also is very skilled at building children’s furniture, as you will see when you take a peek at his step stool/seat for little ones, built with the beauty of Birdseye Maple.  Or, the cute teddy bear rocking chair, created with a touch of Maple and Walnut, which is prized by woodworkers for its strength, grain and color. 

 

Being a hunter, Bern has also chosen to create polished antler candle holders that look fantastic in any home.   Each piece has a hand carved “Man of the Woods” feature at the base of each shed.

 

If you don’t see quite what you are looking for, just send him an email at: bthunter148@gmail.com and he will be happy to work with you.