Wood You or Knot? Andy DiPietro Brings New Work to Wildflowers Too! Gallery

By Victoria Ford | on June 07, 2023

SHAPELY: In nature, many seashells grow in the geometric pattern known as the Fibonacci sequence or ‘golden spiral.’ As a work of art in wood, the shape takes on a new dimension. (Artwork by Andy DiPietro)

‘Rhapsody in Blue’ (Artwork by Andy DiPietro)

Wood sculptor Andy DiPietro is new to LBI but not new to the art form of turning and shaping wood into gently sloping, curving, rounded and angled objects of curiosity and wonder.

The Burlington resident said he grew up in Philadelphia's Delaware Valley suburbs and moved to New Jersey in 1982 for his first job as a mechanical engineer after graduating from Drexel University.

Wood, passionately, is his main medium, with which he creates many different styles of wood sculpture and wood turned vessel forms, he explained.

Mostly self-taught, DiPietro had some woodworking training as a middle schooler at Milton Hershey School. He has had his hands on wood since fifth grade and has worked diligently as a part-time wood artist for the last 20 years. As a senior engineer in the metal foundry industry, for over 40 years DiPietro has designed large, metal-melting foundry equipment using 3D computer-aided design. Now a few years away from retirement, he plans to become a full-time artist then.

Along the way he has taken many woodturning classes at international symposiums. Each spring since 2011, he participates in the Echo Lake Collaborative Conferences, a three-day sculpture event at Bucks County Community College.

‘In the Loop’ (Artwork by Andy DiPietro)

‘Moonlit Waves’ (Artwork by Andy DiPietro)

DiPietro really discovered his talent in 2005, he said. After five years in the cabinetmaking business, he realized carpentry itself was not his passion, but rather the allure of the wood's organic grain. He built his own workshop and started woodturning to create artistic bowls and hollow-form vessels.

"The natural beauty of the wood inspired me to make artistic flowing forms instead of square cabinets," he said. In 2007 he started getting accepted in juried art exhibits and selling his work.

For him, the shift to art "changed everything, mentally and socially. It made my good life so much better. As a ‘Type A’ personality, I was too focused on my job and needed a new connection to art and nature. I have made so many new friends locally and around the world through my woodturning clubs and online forums.

"Most people are surprised by my unique forms and the beauty of the wood and finish," DiPietro said. "They say, ‘How did you do that?’ or ‘I did not think that was possible to do with wood.’"

Online he found Cricket Luker of Wildflowers Too! in Barnegat Light and introduced himself and his work – an instant connection.

In answer to whether his style was innate or developed, DiPietro said, "Most art is derivative.

"I was driven to develop a unique style that would separate me from the norm. I spent many hours experimenting with shape, form, wood selection, coloring and texturing to achieve it. As a mechanical design engineer, I have always enjoyed designing and building equipment. But I was never able to create something unique that was patentable.

"As a wood artist, I have been able to find my true voice and create a unique style of dynamic wood sculpture."

His recent shell form wall sculpture series is Island-based, he said. The shells are abstract reimaginings, fluid and striking. See them at woodartforms.com.

"I am fascinated by the geometry of the shell form, and it connects with my engineering side," he said. "It also brings back fond childhood memories of playing on the beach."

Today, DiPietro has a well-outfitted, 650-square-foot studio-workshop in his basement.

"The natural beauty of wood inspires and challenges me to give it a second life as a piece of beautiful art. I never cut a tree down; I repurpose wood that was felled by landscapers. I study marble and glass sculptures for shape and form inspiration."

View his creative process at woodartforms.com; pull down the About menu and click "videos."

DiPietro is a member of the American Association of Woodturners, Collectors of Wood Art, Bucks County Woodturners, DelVal Woodturners, and the Center for Art in Wood in Philly. Belonging to organizations and communities is "essential for artistic growth and education," he said.

His preferred dimensions range from 12 to 36 inches in length or diameter and works with half-log sections weighing 50 to 150 pounds.

In sharing his sculptures, DiPietro shares his intimate understanding of shape and form, hoping his artwork helps viewers "to reconnect with the beauty of nature, enhanced by beautiful art."

In addition to his online shop at woodartforms.com, he shows and sells his work at New Hope Arts, Wayne Art Center and other locations. The full exhibit list is on his website.

[email protected]

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