Tom Murphy

Tom has been sculpting since 2001 after leaving a thirty year corporate career. His rapid progression as an artist has come through diligent self study and the encouragement of other wildlife artists.
Tom's current passion is carving burlwoods, with manzanita root burl being his favorite. He feels that preserving and displaying the complexity and beauty of the wood grain is as important as portraying the essence of the chosen subject. Every sculpture is one of a kind - reflecting the unique properties of the wood. His sculpting process utilizes power tools of a large assortment, progressing to sanding with air tools and final finishing by hand.

While sculpting the wood, Tom often ponders "where did this tree stand and how tall? This limbwood must have cradled nests of baby birds and sheltered wildlife through years of sand, rain, snow and wind." The wood embodies all these elements and has the song of the birds still in it.