May 1, 2009
Artists who think its good to cut cornersBy Kendra BorenWillametteLive.com

As much of an ancient practice as stone cutting or paper making, woodworking is a craft that produces both artistic and useable pieces.

While carpentry or architecture are part of the trade, many wood worker also build and cut smaller pieces.

Some local woodworking artists such as Dave Disselbrett make small figurines that customer can put on display. Disslebrett carves over 50 different caricatures from baseball players, golfers, fisherman to seasonal features like snowmen, pumpkin heads and Santas.

Unlike carpenters and architects, these artists work by hand. Disselbret carves from brasswood. Once finished he paints the figurines in acrylic “to preserve the wood and finish,” according to his website.

Charles Hargrove, on the other hand usually glazes his work, though he sometimes leaves smaller figurines unfinished.

Hargrove runs the the family operated Myrtlewood Factory and Gift Shop on Portland Road in Salem.

A self-taught woodworker, Hargrove has been in the business for over 30 years.

“I like working with my hands and I enjoy the creative process,” Hargrove said.

“I’ve always been trying to find my niche.”

He began his own business hoping that being self-employed would give him more time off to “disappear” to pursue other hobbies.

“I found out being self-employed, there’s not a lot of freedom to it,” Hargrove said.

Also a an illustrator Hargrove business offers him the creative freedom to construct a variety of products, which includes a lot of custom work.

Included in some of his work orders are a myriad of trophies and plaques for various groups across the state and country.

“I do dog shows and horse shows,” he said.

He also makes trophies for state departments and the military.

“They want something unique that they won’t be able to get somewhere else,” Hargrove said. “I can make it one-of-a-kind.”