About John Harden
Oregon Woodturner
A Passion for Craft, A Life in Wood
John Harden’s journey into woodworking began not with machinery, but with curiosity. From a young age, he was drawn to the natural beauty of wood—its grain, warmth, and unpredictability. Over time, that fascination grew into a deep respect for the craft and a relentless pursuit of mastery.
Today, John Harden Design stands as a testament to that evolution. Based in Grants Pass, Oregon, John is a self-taught woodturner and furniture artisan who blends traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities. His workshop isn’t just a studio—it’s a space where creativity, discipline, and materials meet in harmony.
John’s work includes everything from functional home goods to collector-grade sculptures, all made by hand using sustainably sourced woods. His pieces are known for their attention to detail, clean joinery, and natural finishes—each one built to endure and inspire.
Traditional Techniques, Modern Vision
John’s approach to woodworking is deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. He uses age-old joinery techniques—like mortise and tenon, dovetails, and lap joints—to ensure structural integrity without sacrificing aesthetics.
For turned pieces, John works almost exclusively on a lathe, shaping rough blanks into smooth, balanced forms. His process involves slow, deliberate shaping with chisels, followed by extensive sanding and natural oil finishing. Nothing leaves the shop until it meets John’s personal standard of quality.
But what sets his work apart is his ability to merge that old-world discipline with a modern artistic vision. His geometric bowls, including the standout Dizzy Bowl and Shadowbox Bowl, are layered with hundreds of precision-cut segments. These pieces take days—sometimes weeks—to complete, involving complex math, visual planning, and painstaking hand-assembly before they even touch the lathe.
Each of these bowls is a visual puzzle, drawing the eye with patterns and symmetry. They reflect John’s belief that wood can be both functional and expressive.
Evolving Collections with Timeless Style
Though John’s core work includes bowls, urns, vases, and trays, he’s constantly exploring new directions. Recent collections feature:
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Turquoise & copper accents - May be used to highlight natural inclusions and wood features
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Utilitarian designs – serving trays, coasters, and kitchenware with elegant flair
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3D trays & ornaments – seasonal pieces and decorative work perfect for gifting
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Custom urns – made with sensitivity, craftsmanship, and personal consultation
Every collection reflects John’s evolving voice as an artist. But one thing remains constant: no mass production, ever. Each item is made with care, intention, and hands-on dedication from start to finish.
Behind the Scenes
A Commitment to Process
The heart of John Harden Design lies not just in the finished product—but in the process of creation. Every piece begins with a careful selection of wood, chosen for its grain, character, and potential. Whether it’s a rugged domestic burl or a dense exotic hardwood, John treats each blank with respect and purpose.
He employs traditional joinery methods such as mortise and tenon, dovetails, and hand-planed finishes for his custom furniture. For turned work, the process begins with rough shaping on the lathe, followed by meticulous hollowing, sanding, and finishing.
His signature pieces—the Dizzy Bowl and Shadowbox Bowl—require extensive planning, with laminated layers of contrasting woods cut, glued, and reassembled in precisely calculated sequences. These designs can take dozens of hours and hundreds of individual parts to complete.
Pigmented woodturning is another specialty. Using carefully mixed resins, dyes, and natural elements, John enhances the organic form of the wood while adding dimension and visual intrigue.
Each tool mark is intentional. Each detail is deliberate. This is craftsmanship without shortcuts.
Values That Guide the Work
At the heart of John Harden Design are three guiding principles:
Integrity of Craft
No shortcuts. Every joint, edge, and curve is built to last.
Respect for Materials
Wood is a living material. John works with it, not against it.
Functional Beauty
A piece should be beautiful in form—and useful in everyday life.
Recognized for Excellence — 4 Awards in 2024
In 2024, John Harden Design was honored with four awards from juried art shows and woodworking exhibitions. These prestigious recognitions celebrate John's creativity, technical precision, and dedication to the craft of fine woodworking.
Bellevue Arts Fair 2024
Award of Excellence
Edmonds Art Festival 2024
Blue Ribbon Award for Best of Show
Art In The High Desert 2024
Benchmark Award
Best of the Northwest Fall 2024
Honorable Mention Juror's Choice Award
Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2023
Blue Ribbon Award for Artistic Achievement
Corvallis Fall Festival 2019
Best in Wood Award
These accolades affirm what collectors and customers already know: John’s work is not only visually stunning but also built with exceptional skill and care. Each piece reflects decades of experience, artistic vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Whether you're purchasing a minimalist serving tray or a show-stopping dizzy bowl, you’re investing in the work of an award-winning artisan.
