Sebastopol, CA woodturner Jerry Kermode attributes his work to “a love affair with trees.” Interested in the vitality of forests, he opts to use materials from sustainable sources to create vessels and architectural elements. Jerry holds particular respect for the long-living redwoods around his Northern California home and studio. Harvesting the large burls that occur on the trees stimulates their growth – it is these burls that the artist selects for his turned vessels.

Jerry grew up in California and in his youth built small boats and, eventually, surfboards. After a career in the restoration of Victorian architecture, he moved with his wife Deborah Kermode to Hawaii where both found a passion for the calabash culture of the islands. While living there, Jerry discovered the art of turning bowls from native woods. Now established back in his home state, Jerry is a full time artisan and teacher who continues to enjoy sailboarding and surfing.