John Shuptrine

"I create one-of-a-kind sculptures that combine the incredible beauty of wood with the history and diversity of photographic processes."

Through his sculpture, John Shuptrine blends his lifelong interest in photography with a great love of the natural beauty of wood. He combines the organic textures and patterns of exotic hardwoods with the technological details of repurposed camera parts. The end result is something stunning and unique. If desired, he can also remake a favored camera and create a new family heirloom upon request.

In his workshop near Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Shuptrine laminates hardwoods together, then forms them into camera shapes using a variety of tools and techniques. The wood is important, so he allows each piece to slowly express itself into its final form. Recycled camera parts are incorporated into each wood piece, with ideas drawn from the history of cameras and the artist's own experience in photography.

John Shuptrine is a dedicated and award-winning photographer who has always dabbled in the woodworking shop. Wishing to combine these two loves, he taught himself the lamination process and honed his skills in shaping and finishing these unusual pieces.