David J. Marks

Who is David J. Marks?

David J. Marks is a woodworker living in Santa Rosa, California.

Marks studied art at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, California. In 1981, he opened a studio in Santa Rosa with his cat Liz and his young daughter . Through the 1980s, his focus was on one-of-a-kind furniture. Beginning in the 90s, he has moved toward wood turning and sculpture.

He was the host of DIY Network's show Wood Works, a show highlighting a combination of techniques using both hand and power tools to design and build pieces which feature the use of exotic woods in ways that feature their color and grain. He also incorporates metal and metal patination in the projects. Marks also used a process called bent wood lamination a process in which very many pieces of thin wooden slats are glued together and forced into a bending form to cure. He also is a master woodturner but is drawn to furniture making and the turning side of him rarely comes out in his shows. Regardless his unique style makes for an interesting show. About his style Marks says,

" My work expresses a sense of time and mystery. My inspiration is derived from a fusion of styles including ancient Egyptian, African, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Asian. But essential to all my designs is the attention I pay to fine details."