The creation of wooden sculptures is not a novel concept, but Jeffro Uitto, known as “Knock on Wood” on social media, has a remarkable talent for shaping wood into unique forms that stand out from the rest. He uses various pieces of wood, frequently found on beaches in Washington State, USA, to craft stunning sculptures, with a particular focus on animal figures, including horses, eagles, rhinos, and lions, among others. Jeffro’s ability to bend wood to his imagination sets his work apart from others in this field.
On the coast of Washington lies a refuge for discarded natural materials looking for another shot at fame. This enchanted place goes by the name of Knock on Wood, and the mastermind behind its transformation is none other than the gifted artist, Uitto. He proudly proclaims this on his website.
When Uitto starts working on a sculpture, he has a general idea of what he wants to create, but he remains flexible as the work progresses. He never knows for sure what the final outcome of his work will be. Jeffo has had a passion for collecting wood since he was a child, especially driftwood with patterns carved into it by the waves. Despite its toughness, driftwood seems to have a life and personality of its own that inspires the artist. Through his unique artworks, the artist aims to highlight the individuality and vitality of every object, which can be expressed through the medium of art.
Visitors to Jeffro’s shop near the historic Tokeland Hotel may be surprised to learn that most of his tools are handmade by the artist himself. However, once you get to know Jeffro, it becomes clear that custom tools are not only unsurprising but expected. It’s evident that Jeffro Uitto is an artist with an unquenchable passion for wood art, and his sculptures are a testament to that.
The artist expressed that their love and fascination for the subjects, as well as the endless possibilities of materials, serve as inspiration for their sculpture creations. It is humbling to witness the number of individuals who connect with the artwork. Moreover, bringing attention to the animals’ enigmatic beauty and the threat of extinction is crucial.
