I approach furniture as functional pieces of art. As a studio craftsman, my primary focus is directed on the holistic aesthetics of the piece: the way each piece of wood is joined in harmony with the others, the relationship of the top with the back, the sides with the shelves, and the doors with the whole of the piece. Curves and different species of wood are used in a sparingly and thoughtfully intentional manner so as to enhance the feel of a piece of furniture and keep with the integrity of the design.

Having found inspiration from craftsmen such Garry Knox Bennett and Sam Maloof, in 2004, I read a book called The Impractical Cabinetmaker by James Krenov (Linden 1999). It was an event that would forever change the way I approached work, and the way I perceived furniture design and building. The little cabinet on the left was number one. It started with some interesting curly cherry and avodire. This was the first time I truly paid attention to the way glass was divided - taking the shelf into consideration - and the first time I moved to traditional oil finishes. I am proud of the many pieces I built before this little cabinet, but I have since become an entirely different woodworker. Suddenly my shop is a studio, and my work is called art.

-Mark

Watch Mark in his studio-
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Curriculum Vitae

ArtWorks- A visual art coalition, Bowling Green, KY Active Member

Chosen for KY Craft Marketing Program’s Platinum 10 Project

Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, Active Member
Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, Active Member
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft Gallery Shop Artist Member

The Gallery at 916, 2nd Annual Juried Group Exhibit, Bowling Green, KY
KY Crafted:  The Market, Gallery Section, Louisville, KY
Houchens Gallery, All Kentucky Juried Exhibit, Bowling Green, KY
Houchens Gallery, Mark Whitley and Suzanne Renfro, Bowling Green, KY
Kaviar Forge and Gallery, Mark Whitley “Fresh Work”, Louisville, KY
American Craft Council Exhibition, Atlanta, GA

Craftforms Annual Juried Exhibit, Wayne Art Center, Wayne PA
The Gallery At 916 - ArtWorks Juried Group Exhibit, Bowling Green, KY

KY Crafted: The Market, Gallery Section, Louisville, KY

KY Museum of Art + Craft Bourbon Ball Exhibit, Louisville, KY
Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, KY

Midwest Airlines Center-Fine Furnishings Show-Milwaukee, WI

KY Museum of Art + Craft  Holidazzle Invitational Group Exhibit

KY Museum of Art + Craft  Holidazzle Invitational Group Exhibit
Spring KGAC Art Fair- Berea, KY

Award of Excellence, Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, KY
Merit Award, ArtWorks Inc. 2nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, Bowling Green KY - Big Giant Head #4

Finalist -Niche Magazine Design Awards 2009 The Mambo Rocker & the Highline Chair
First Place, Lost RIver Fine Art Fair, Bowling Green, KY
Merit Award for Wood, Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, KY
First Place, Saturday In The Park With Art Juried Show, Bowling Green KY - Spectrum Cabinet
Second Place, ArtWorks Juried Group Exhibit, Bowling Green, KY

Finalist -Niche Magazine Design Awards, Baltimore, MD - Giraffe Cabinet
Award of Excellence - Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, KY

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Maker's Mark Permanent Collection

Harrah’s Casino

First Christian Church