Wayne Harrel is a sculptor and lifelong creative from Portland, Oregon, known for his unique wood art. He gathers locally rejected wood and focuses on its flaws to reveal a deeper beauty. From wind-fallen or sawmill-spurned maple, walnut, oak, fir, and cedar, Wayne chisels, gouges, and uses power tools to uncover the mystery within. Using fire and natural finishes, he clarifies and polishes each piece. Sometimes his work is abstract, while other times it is figurative, but each sculpture honors and celebrates the inner life of trees. Since 2022, Wayne has been sculpting full-time, creating contemporary art that speaks to the soul of nature. Although he grew up surrounded by woods and has always loved trees, a less-than-stellar grade in 7th grade shop led him down a literary path instead. As an award-winning playwright and lyricist, he has coached major CEOs on stage, told ghost stories to hospice workers, and even helped John Cleese be funnier. Now, he has happily returned to the world of sawdust and splinters, creating art for sale, because every tree has a story to tell, and Wayne is delighted to help them tell it.
