Don Samuelson is the visionary artist and craftsman behind Mercer Island Wood Art.  Operating directly from his studio on Mercer Island, Washington, he is deeply respected in the Pacific Northwest artisan community for his mastery of the wood lathe.

Core Artistry & Philosophy

Salvaged Timber Focus: A defining element of Samuelson's work is his environmental philosophy. He exclusively sources his material from salvaged local timber, intentionally saving downed trees and raw burls from landfills to transform them into functional art.

Organic Collaboration: Samuelson describes his creative process as a partnership with nature. Rather than forcing a rigid design, he turns the wood on a lathe to find what the natural rings, bark inclusions, and raw grain patterns "want" to become.

Signature Creations: His portfolio features meticulously turned smooth wooden bowls, complex hollow vessels, structural centerpieces, and decorative plates designed to last for generations.

All my art comes from salvaged local timber. Trees are an essential part of our world. I save trees from the land fills and create lasting beauty.

My creations are meant to be used and are hand made by me on Mercer Island in Washington.

- Don Samuelson