Biography

My name is Barbara Gill. I was raised in Greensboro North Carolina, the oldest of seven children and attended Western Carolina University where I earned a B.S. and M.S. in Education. While teaching at Radford College I met my future husband Dan who was in graduate School at Virginia Tech (VPI). We were married in the chapel on the campus of VPI and moved to Dan’s family farm on LaGrange Creek in Middlesex County, Virginia. We raised two girls who are now grown.

Wood has always been special to me. I have operated a sawmill since 1985 and spent several years making furniture. My woodworking interest evolved into a passion for woodturning. I have had very little formal training in woodturning but have availed myself of the abundant resources available in books, on the Internet, and by sharing techniques with accomplished turners.

Wood is one of the most rewarding mediums available to an artist. Each piece has its own unique personality and beauty. Woodturning is a perfect way to display that uniqueness. Each time a log is opened whether by the blade of a sawmill or the tools of a turner it is like opening a surprise package. You never know for sure what is in there until it is exposed.

Most of my pieces use classic forms without any embellishments. I have recently become interested in simple enhancements such as carving, dye, and pyrography. You might find these on some of my future works.

I encourage commissions especially when they involve wood that has special or historical significance. A turned item can be extremely personal when made from a special tree or plank.

I am a member of the American Association of Woodturners and the Artisans Center of Virginia. My work is currently being displayed at Something Different Country Store as well as the Rappahannock Art League Gallery in Kilmarnock Virginia.