“Heron in Reeds” intarsia art by Washington State artist John Ness measures 17 x 14 x .75, priced at $395. The complex design features a handsome Heron wading among reeds. Zoom in on the variety of figured woods, and impeccable workmanship. This handmade artwork is created entirely without dyes or stains. 

Stop by the gallery and check out John’s unbelievable intarsia work in person!

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying, like puzzle pieces. The start of the practice dates from before the seventh century AD. Intarsia actually predates ceramic mosaic work, but did not survive the ravages of time as well in the Old World. The technique of intarsia inlays sections of contrasting wood to form a design. The word intarsia may derive from the Latin word interserere (to insert).

While working for 30 years as a mechanical engineer in the pulp & paper industry, intarsia artist John Ness enjoyed spending his spare time in his workshop. He built anything from model airplanes to furniture. His mother’s side of the family was artistic with painters, stonemasons and woodcarvers amongst them.

John got started with intarsia work when he bought a gift for his in-laws and was greatly intrigued with the piece. It hangs on their living room wall, and every time John saw it he wanted to know more about this form of art. So he had to try it and discovered that he found his “calling”.

Each piece is individually crafted and finished by hand. John follows either stock patterns or patterns that he has designed himself. He carefully selects the wood to be used for each piece to highlight the features. He uses either a polyurethane or lacquer finish, depending on the woods, so no future maintenance should be required. No stains or dyes are used, all the colors are the natural color and grain of the wood.

Although John considers his intarsia work one of his favorite hobbies, we at Forest Gems see John as a professional artist and consider his intarsia work of the highest quality. We are very glad to have his pieces available in our gallery.