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Meet Hello Galena Artist: Grant Barlow

Since 2006, artist Grant Barlow has been a member of Hello Galena. Find out a bit more about the man behind G&D Woodworking, who brings wood to life through his artwork, creating unique woodturnings in pens, kaleidoscopes, bowls and platters.

Since 1994, when Grant began his craft as a self-taught woodturner, he has honed his skills, taking classes, studying techniques, and constantly upgrading his equipment -- always improving.

Grant finds inspiration for each piece in the wood chosen, which means each will be slightly different. Using and experimenting with different woods and substrates is one way of showcasing his artistic expression. Some of the newer pieces in his collection will include Celtic knot designs in the wood, and segmented pens.

While many might look at this highly technical, intricate work and think it would be tension-filled, Grant says this is what is fun and relaxing for him.

Grant said he enjoys being part of the Hello Galena artist community. "Everyone is very friendly and outgoing -- there are no art snobs," he said.

Retired from Abbott Laboratories where he worked as a fermentation microbiologist, he now works at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Technical Service. Grant enjoys travel, astronomy, science and history.

Grant’s handcrafted pens are for sale at Hello Galena, at 121 N. Commerce St., in Galena. Find Hello Galena's online map, store hours and directions.