When Terry Sharp, a local woodworker and craftsman retired from his 38-year career at Caterpillar, he revived his passion for turning a piece of hardwood into something of beauty. In 2021, Sharp needed a name for his “hobby turned business.” For reasons that seem obvious, Sawdust was simply fitting.
Terry took his first woodworking class at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois more than 40 years ago. The class was part of the community education programming. It afforded an introduction to woodworking along with tips and techniques from a master woodworker, and access to all the equipment in the woodshop—ban saws, table saws, routers, planers, and more. “I think I took the same class at least ten times, just to use the equipment,” Terry admitted. “At that time, the equipment I had available at home was limited to hand tools, some that originally belonged to my grandfather.” Today, Terry has a wood shop in his garage—and plenty of sawdust when he is creating wood products for an upcoming art show in the Twin Cities.
Terry admits the beauty of the natural wood grains is irresistible to a craftsman. He creates products out of hardwoods—walnut, hickory, cherry, and maple are among his favorites—all sourced from local businesses and sawmills. Among the first products he produced were charcuterie and cutting boards where he hand-selected and pieced various hardwoods, matching the colors and the grains to create a piece of art. When his wife, Jean, registered him for a class to learn epoxy-resin river pours, he began expanding his designs and products by combining hardwoods with resin colors.
“I find inspiration in nature,” Sharp says, “the movement of water on a river or lake, the changing colors of the setting sun, and the blue sky as clouds roll in. When I do river pours, I mix and swirl resin colors that emulate the richness of nature.” Combining color and movement with the wood’s curves, knots, and bends contribute to one-of-a-kind pieces that customers love.
Each summer, Terry exhibits his work in several judged art fairs in the Twin Cities. In June, Terry can be found at Excelsior’s “Art on the Lake” show, situated in the heart of downtown Excelsior on Water Street. In September, Terry enjoys visiting with art enthusiasts at the Edina “Fall into the Arts Festival.” He also does custom pieces for clients.
Engaging with customers comes naturally for Terry who spent his professional career in marketing and communications. “I love meeting people at local art fairs, talking about my work, and learning how they plan to use their purchases.” Among Terry’s most popular products is a tabletop cornhole game. “It was a fun little idea and customers have purchased tabletop cornhole games for many purposes—the rainy day at the cabin, game night at a retirement center, indoor games at a children’s day-care or a birthday party, team-building games in the office, and even a beer drinking game with a group of buddies. I guess it just brings people together.”
That’s what Sharp loves most about his craft—sharing his creativity with others.
Terry lives in Medina with his wife, Jean. He serves as the Chair of the Medina Park Commission. Terry is a stroke survivor and annually contributes a piece to the Art of Possibilities Art Fair at Courage-Kenny.
