Q&A with David Jackson
Q: Tell us a little about your background and how Jackson’s Timber came to be.
My name is David Jackson and I am the creative force behind Jackson’s Timber. I was born and raised in Adam’s County, Pennsylvania. Later I moved to Rhode Island, working as a chef in a few upscale restaurants. A need for change brought me to North Carolina and in 2020 where I decided to leave the restaurant industry and focus on my growing family. My three kids have completely changed my outlook on life and my career, and I am now a stay at home father and exercise my creativity through my art. Wood turning and carving are my main focus, though painting and drawing often creep into the mix.
Q: What drew you to woodworking specifically?
There is so much beautiful material to work with. From swirling burls to the simplest of grains, I really have a great appreciation for it all. I have always been drawn to nature and what it can provide, transforming it into something that can be used in the home. From salad bowls to intricate sculptures, it’s always fun to make something that can be enjoyed in your personal space.
Q: How has your approach evolved over time?
My shop started out of my garage in 2021 and I acquired a lathe in 2022, which quickly became my most used piece of machinery. There’s something about wood shavings flying everywhere and being completely covered in the material you are working with—it’s almost like becoming a part of the object you’re making.
Like most new to wood turning, at the beginning I wanted to turn every species of wood that I could get my hands on. I am now in my third year of turning and have slowed down a lot.
To make a truly great piece, you must go at a slower pace.
Everything now is much more thought out with intention. Sometimes I let the beauty of the wood speak for itself, other
times the form and shape lead and the wood acts as the backdrop. I’ve recently started sketching my pieces before I begin work, which I feel is a big step in my development. I’m never short of ideas—the challenge is finishing what I start. Sketching my designs first has helped me stay focused and more intentional.
Q: Where can people find your work?
I started selling my creations on Etsy in 2021. Although my sales and reviews were very good, I couldn’t help but feel like I was fueling another corporate giant, trying to please another robotic algorithm, basically selling my soul to sell a few bowls on Etsy. Unfortunately, Etsy has become a wasteland of personalized plastic garbage and AI art. About six months ago, I made the huge decision to leave the platform altogether. I stumbled upon Aware House and recognized that this platform shared my values. I now only sell locally in North Carolina and with Aware House.
