 
ARTIST
STATEMENT
John Eric Byers’ work is, in his words, “a
marriage of contradictions”. His forms are studied
and firmly grounded in function, and then covered with
exuberant pattern and color. Viewing the work, one gains
the impression of Byers as an accomplished artist and
maker who has his tongue planted firmly in his cheek and
a wry smile on his face the whole time he is at work.
The pieces display his predilection for and extensive
use of reiterating simple motifs, circles, squares, crosses
– “forms that are autonomous of any one civilization
or culture, but instead drift in and out of all cultures,
essential as symbols of art, science and nature.”
The carving is precise but clearly done by hand. The milk
paint is usually limited to two or three predominant colors
and applied in several coats. The surface is sanded between
coats to reveal underlying layers of paint and the rich
color of the mahogany he uses to build the pieces. The
result is brilliant on the surface with a richness and
depth of color that glows. While beautiful to see, the
surfaces are also incredibly rich in texture, with the
intent of pleasuring the hand. Each individual square
of the hand-carved pattern is painted, one at a time,
often with as many as six coats, and hand-rubbed with
mild abrasives between each coat – all so that the
hand can enjoy it as much as the eye. PICTURED
ABOVE:
Drum Stools
16" dia x 16.5" h
$3500. each / Set of two $6300.
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