Barry White's Designs in Wood

I began working with wood in 1968, and since then, it has become my medium of choice. The grain of the wood is often my jumping-off point, and I find that it plays an integral role in my designs. Many of my pieces take the form of what some might call Mandalas, but for me, it’s about the creative process—the way the grain guides and shapes the art. My journey as an artist has been a long one, and I spent much of my life in the gallery business. However, the true inspiration and motivation for me has always been the act of creation itself.

I consider myself a “born again artist.” After nearly two decades of artistic hibernation, I rediscovered my creative voice, my muse, and my peace of mind when I found my “home” here at Mission Creek. It was there that I reunited with my tools, pigments, and the quiet space to create. My connection with wood runs deep—I’ve always had a natural affinity for it, and I genuinely revere it. Wood, to me, is the perfect canvas. Color always looks richer on wood, and it’s been my preferred medium for over sixty years. My earliest artistic memories are of designing on wood, and since my teenage years, I’ve been developing and refining my techniques. The grain of the wood can be an integral part of my patterns or sometimes a more subtle influence, but it’s always present in my work. Through the years, my bond with wood and my passion for design have only grown stronger, and I continue to find joy in the creative process every day.