About the artist:

Thomas Haapapuro is an artist, sculptor, author, and also a full time Landscape Architect. Originally from Ohio, Thomas currently lives in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thomas works in wood, concrete, and plaster to create modern, organic designs that explore natural forms and patterns. He work is represented by several galleries throughout the Southeast. He has written several articles for Scroll Saw Magazine, and his first book, titled Design Fusion, is scheduled for publication by Fox Chapel Publishing in 2012.

Artist's Statement:

Thomas Haapapuro grew up in the rural foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, absorbing the natural wonder of farm and forest, stream and mountain. This landscape infused in the artist a fascination with the natural world and its subtle beauties. Later, he obtained a degree as a Landscape Architect, a profession that requires both the insightful eye of a designer and the analytical skills of an engineer. Drawing upon these backgrounds, Thomas works to create objects that distill the intricate and complex patterns of nature into clean, sophisticated, and modern forms.

About the Wood:

All of the wood used in the pieces is made from native trees, salvaged by the artist and turned into works of delicate and graceful art. By using native wood, the artist showcases the beauty of our natural local heritage, and minimizes the art's carbon footprint. Only simple clear finishes are used, letting the natural subtle beauty and color of the native wood shine through.

About the Concrete:

Thomas has always been inspired by the works of architects and artists who have used simple materials in unique and interesting ways. Concrete, a very utilitarian material, is a medium of incredible possibility. Using a variety of techniques, it can be transformed into works of art if approached from that direction. Concrete is also made from local materials, using the sands and stones from the region to create a medium that is both durable and beautiful.