Julian Watts

Julian Watts is an artist and woodworker based in Alpine, Oregon. After earning a BFA in sculpture at the University of Oregon in 2012, Watts returned to his hometown of San Francisco to apprentice under furniture makers before beginning his own practice.

He combines traditional wood carving techniques with an experimental sculptural approach in order to explore the formal and conceptual intersections between the human body, the landscape, and the functional objects that we interact with every day. This approach has continued to evolve, expanding to incorporate an entire ecosystem of abstract, biomorphic wood carvings, ranging from bowls, to furniture, to largescale, purely sculptural works.  

This interest in creating a sense of an evolving ecosystem of sculptural objects reflects Julian’s dedication to the natural landscape of the West Coast where he has spent his entire life. Based in the lush forests of rural Oregon, Julian sources wood from fallen or salvaged trees in his area, and collects branches, rocks, leaves, and moss from the property where his studio and home are located. These natural materials find their way directly or indirectly into his work, either as the raw carving materials, or a visual guide for shape, texture, or structure.