Steve & Tina Burden
Fine Woodwork
Burden Fine Woodwork
I grew up learning woodwork skills with my father who is an accomplished artisan and artist.
After a long career in the printing industry, I turned to woodworking, at first as a hobby.
I wanted to make something a person can use and hand out, something beautiful and unique, so we started with cutting boards.
Our woodworking skills are self taught and constantly growing with each and every project.
Our home is in Citrus Springs, FL near the Gulf Coast, where we share our fun time off with our dog, Luna.
Artwork Collection 1
Inspiration comes when we first sit in our computers to design what we want to make with a certain wood.
Woods have different hardness: purple heart is in the middle while ebony is the hardest one out there.
You would be surprised to find out how durable these boards are. We use them everyday in our kitchen and they hardly show a scratch mark.
My advice is to store them in an upright position, so that there is air circulating all around, allowing it to keep on breathing. Storing woods upright prevents them from warping.
Also, use a food-safe mineral oil (not from petroleum) to treat them. And no, we can't use olive oil because it will go rancid!
Shavings & Flakes
I keep a large collection at the Rainbow Springs Art Center because it is close to my workshop, plus I enjoy being a part of that group of community artists. We are a family, members help each other.
We should accept what others can give. It is a part of the leadership but when the hard stuff is done we can delegate and let others take over.
What I like about woods is that they are a very exotic medium. Each one is different. Some feel smooth and cool, and some feel warm to the touch.
Each piece has its own character, its own tale.
Burning Flame
Sometimes it will take me hours working on one piece because of the grain, or the imperfections.
Some are hard to finish because of the knots.
We do keep some of our designs for ourselves, especially when we make more than one, like the Infinity Heart in our entry wall. It is a very intricate work!
It is our hearts desire to provide beautiful and inspiring keepsakes, gifts that can be passed on to friends or family, and to share our work with anyone who has the same love of wood we have.
Artwork Collection 2
For me there is no art in making practical and usual furniture.
Wood is expensive, but it is more than the resale price.
It is the time we spend to bring out the grain, discover what's underneath the outer layers.
When we use a wood cutting board, either to prepare or to serve food, whatever goes out from the board into somebody's food is not going to harm them.
Artwork Collection 3
It is my pleasure to invite you to come in person to see our woodwork collection.
Our gallery is always staffed by one of our friendly local artists.
We have beautiful, durable and affordable arts and crafts.
Please come!
Our new location is a house caddy corner to The Grumble's antique and garden house in old Dunnellon.
