Wood Artisan and Designer Mark Alan Porter is quickly becoming a highly recognized Tennessee Artisan. With work residing in six countries including 20 States of the USA, his gifted creativity and passion for his hand crafted sculpture, boxes and hardwood platters has struck an accord for those who love beautiful handmade woodwork. His unique rustic barn wood designs of trays, frames, wine racks, table boxes and chalkboards are very popular.

I love working with beautiful woods. I see the creativity of my Lord within it. 1924 Olympic track champion Eric Liddell best worded it, “I know God created me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.  When I run, I feel His pleasure.”  Like Eric, when I get immersed in my work as an artisan, I too feel His pleasure.

All of my work is original and the majority of it is a one of a kind piece.  The woods I use range from reclaimed barn wood to beautiful burls.  People seem to have a need to touch my work. When I design and build a platter, freeform bowl or a jewelry box, I invest the time to sand it through 2000 grit paper. This creates a very smooth surface. I love using figured walnut, quilted big leaf maple and many of the beautiful exotic woods such as ebony or cocobolo. If wood has a flaw in it I see it as an opportunity to use this for artistic character. I enjoy doing commissioned work and pushing myself as a designer and artist.

I hope my art puts a smile on your face!

I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.  You can find me most Saturday’s here at the Franklin Farmers Market. Feel free to drop me an email at mark@markalanartisan.com

Thank you and have a great day!