Daniel Leavitt

pyrography & wood sculpture

Daniel Leavitt is a certified arborist active in the Nashville area and has been woodturning for eight years. As an arborist and artist with a life-long love for the natural world, woodturning has provided him with the ability to creatively explore and share his passion for nature. Combining turning with Leavitt’s other interests has empowered him to develop a unique voice and discover a supportive community of artists. 

Leavitt collects the wood he uses for turning from trees and limbs that he remove through his job as a certified arborist, which has allowed him to experiment with dozens of different species. Leavitt believes a thorough understanding of the properties and characteristics of wood opens the door to new possibilities for creative expression. Through research and hands-on experience, he has developed a strong sense for the artistic potential of different species of wood. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge, and hopes that doing so can promote a deeper appreciation for trees.

Leavitt’s love for nature defines who he is, and by immersing himself in research and exploration he continually expands his repertoire of subjects that fuel his creative process. His art clearly reflects his passion for the natural world and provides him with a distinct perspective. Leavitt hopes that his art not only sparks curiosity and interest in nature, but also inspires other woodturners to integrate their own unique interests into their work.

“Through my art, I convey my love for the natural world while exploring my place in it. I focus on often-overlooked, but essential, elements of the ecosystem, especially the decomposers and recyclers. To me, these organisms represent the doorway from death back to life and form the keystone of healthy ecosystems. I mirror the role of nature’s recyclers in my creative process by utilizing wood that would otherwise be considered waste as my medium for creation, striving to understand the qualities of each tree species and incorporate their unique characteristics into the composition. I attempt to balance the unease that the creatures involved in decay can induce with beauty in order to provoke curiosity. I hope that my work compels viewers to recognize the wonder and importance of the natural world and consider the impact they have on it.”

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Available Works