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(music by Michael Chapman, Nathan Salsburg, J. Seger)
Robin and Kathy Tucker of woodmosaics stopped working in town back in 1986. After Robin’s intricate wood-inlayed work was featured in The Best of Missouri Hands catalog and commissioned by Ralston Purina, they were on their way to full time crafting. Influenced by Amish quilt patterns, Robin’s excellent woodworking uses exotic natural woods that range from Satinwood from Sri Lanka to Purpleheart from Central and South America. All of the wood is completely natural, with only a clear finish added to punctuate the beauty of the wood’s innate color.
Choosing to live as off the grid as much as possible, Robin built a windmill so the family could hand pump their own water. Kathy made their clothes for years and they slaughter their own meat from the goats and chickens they raise. However, the one amenity they can’t live without is the internet. After a dozen years of craft shows across the country, Robin and Kathy prefer to stay at home, tend to the farm and sell their goods via laptop rather than mall shows. While the juxtaposition of an outhouse and high speed internet would seem strange to most folks, the Tuckers have chosen to make certain sacrifices to keep costs down while in pursuit of a self sustained lifestyle. Living in the middle the country in Spickard, Missouri, the Tuckers keep connected through the latest in social networking via their Myspace and flickr sites, with a solar powered back-up generator in case the electricity goes out.
80 comments
Sign in to add your ownjulieboyles says:
This is beautiful, beautiful work! I've admired it for a long time. I love the contrast of a windmill and high speed internet! Brilliant!
3 years ago
leolucaescobar says:
I love that they use Etsy and have a water pump in their kitchen and how he cuts wood with a pedal. This is such an awesome portrait, I've been eyeing the cutting boards for awhile so it's really cool to see the behind the scenes!
3 years ago
t8designs says:
fantastic portrait of world-class artisans. thank you so much for sharing your story!
3 years ago
littlepurls says:
WOW! Absolutely gorgeous work! The Tuckers are an inspiration, both by the crafts that they've mastered and by their lifestyle choices. Your family deserves all the success Etsy can offer! Good luck! xoxo Tally
3 years ago
PeteCorrie says:
Great portrait of amazing artists! Wicked!!
3 years ago
cuddlycozy says:
Incredibly exquisite work. What a gift to possess! Only the best in going forward to The Tuckers.
3 years ago
harvesttextiles says:
Such a lovely story.
3 years ago
TheSingingBird says:
I love seeing and hearing stories like yours. Thank you for sharing, and I hope your sales go zooming! :)
3 years ago
autumncomfort says:
Incredible work and incredible people. Thank You.
3 years ago
MyNovember says:
Really beautiful work. I love the juxtaposition in their lives.
3 years ago
thefunkyfelter says:
What a great life! And such amazing creations too. They are from right here in my home state too which is even more inspiring to me :)
3 years ago
FeltInspired says:
I'm in awe--that is truly inspirational.
3 years ago
RonH says:
Great story. As a woodworker and admirer of his work, I am glad to learn more of the people and process.
3 years ago
woodmosaics says:
Hi, Tara, You sure did a wonderful job on this whole thing. I’ve got some relatives that would say that you wouldn’t have a bit of trouble in making a “silk Purse out of a sow’s earâ€. We surely do thank you.
3 years ago
twolefthands says:
What a sweet and wonderful life! I enjoyed your story and your work is wonderful! Congratulations and may you have continued success!
3 years ago
HomeStudio says:
One of the best articles I've read here. They are awesome!
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Robin, it was so wonderful visiting with you and Kathy at the farm and seeing where the magic happens! I am so thankful I had the opportunity to shoot this portrait... Now on to the wood mosaics mini series!
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
I'm a proud owner of one of woodmosaics' coasters. It's the most beautiful piece of functional art!
3 years ago
UglyKitty says:
What a fantastic profile! Thanks for featuring them. It really shows you how Etsy has brought together all types of artists for the common goal of doing what you love! I wish the Tuckers all the best and much continued success. :)
3 years ago
autumnsarrival says:
Oh my GOODNESS! SUCH art! How absolutely beautiful!!! I love the couple and I love their work and I love their house!!!! WOWSA!
3 years ago
UniqueDesigns39 says:
This is a great article Robin. Tara really did you proud with this one. A great description of your lifestyle and work. Congratulations to you both, Brother and Sister-in-law.
3 years ago
jasonmseger says:
Serious beauty there
3 years ago
badcatjewelry says:
They rock.
3 years ago
nanouke says:
I'm just amazed, thank you for sharing this!
3 years ago
mtraub says:
That foot-powered saw is kind of mind-blowing; I'm in awe.
3 years ago
vintageland says:
Missouri sure does produce alot of artists, wish I was one I am in Missouri and born there,These people are awesome have to google spikard and ride down there with hubby on the motorcycle,yea,thanks for the beautiful work you do its awesome and of course your faith in Etsy!!!!!!
3 years ago
dogties says:
Amazing Woodwork!
3 years ago
LushMommy says:
wow, humbling to see the real deal in these kind folk! truly an american tradition of living off the land and using the talents you have to give to others, in return you will have plenty. beautiful :)
3 years ago
mayahayuk says:
WOWWWWW!!!! thank you for letting me into your beautiful, magical world. i love how your crafts intermingle. simply stunning. thank you!
3 years ago
pgandwooster says:
You beautiful people! I am s pleased to see that people can live a sustainable life whilst still using technology ...and creating such beauty. Truly inspiring!
3 years ago
snowflakeglass says:
So Impressed - this is incredible work.....Congratulations from a fellow Missourian!
3 years ago
HossLass says:
Absolutely awe inspiring work! I can relate to the off the grid lifestyle, I grew up using an outhouse and cistren water and butchering chickens too, although I don't have any desire to head back down that road, LOL!Reminds me of how my grandpa used to do his woodwork boxes. Now, thanks to this article, I've got a place to go for Christmas gifts! Thank you!
3 years ago
confections says:
Robin and Kathy, your work reminds me of my father's inlay work on handcrafted walking sticks. He's gone, but that tradition is alive and well in Missouri. This story touched me deeply.
3 years ago
TeenAngster says:
This is so amazing. I envy the simplicity of this Robin and Kathy's life! This is truly inspiring.
3 years ago
canadianwoodcrafts says:
Congrats on being featured Robin, your work is awesome and most deserving. :) Barry
3 years ago
notmoira says:
This is awesome. All of the pieces are just beautiful!
3 years ago
GreetingFriends says:
Such detailed, beatiful art. That's what it is. Wonderful art!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
silentlanguages says:
Wow, how beautiful! I first started to appreciate work like this when I studied in Granada, Spain, and here in Maine lots of artists are working in this format. I find the natural colors to be so soothing.
3 years ago
no2alike says:
I share your love for wood working but I see now that I need a few more lessons. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about you two. Thanks and keep up the good work and above all...teach someone else how to do what you do.
3 years ago
LynetteFast says:
Aren't these mid-western values great! So glad to see this spotlight on a wonderful family!
3 years ago
atomicveggiecom says:
Oh... this is amazing! :D
3 years ago
marylynnplaisance says:
Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
NikiJewellery says:
beautiful, beautiful work! Love your lifestyle too :) All the best!
3 years ago
Throughmariseyes says:
Your photos say it all . You both look like you are doing what you truly love! RIGHT ON! I am a jewelry designer and use Australian felled wood that are turned into stunning BEADS!They are stunning. Take care and enjoy. Best, Mari throughmariseyes ~hand crafted jewelry open 24/7 I LOVE ETSY
3 years ago
SugarAndSpice says:
Beautiful work! I loved the interview!
3 years ago
SingingSky says:
This made me cry and laugh and smile! This is the most inspiring thing I've seen in a long time. What amazing craftsmanship and patience! Oh and I want some of those water pumps in my house! How positively wonderful!
3 years ago
gottacraft says:
Beautiful work, beautiful people. Thank you for sharing your story with us. So inspirational! God bless.
3 years ago
appcraftsmen says:
This is what America is all about. What a great story!
3 years ago
adubois says:
True artistry- wonderful!
3 years ago
chakrapennywhistle says:
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for this portrait! The video is just amazing. Fantastic story!
3 years ago
hearthsidetreasures says:
Awesome, inspiring work, fellow Missourians! Thanks for the inspiration to keep creating, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
Robin and Kathy have my applause: Living self-sufficient lives, living their bliss, creating beautiful hand-made art.
3 years ago
twiststyle says:
Fabulous job, Tara! That woodwork is just amazing - and I am so very touched and inspired by Robin and Kathy's story. I join the masses in extending thanks for such a lovely piece - THIS is one of those things that make Etsy such a wonderful place!
3 years ago
ohmybuttons says:
Incredible!! The woodwork is amazing and what nice people you seem to be, and living your dream, too :) Thank you for the inspiration.
3 years ago
dancingcircle says:
This is the best artisan feature I've seen thus far in the Storque - an excellent example of classic American craft.
3 years ago
KalliopeJewelry says:
Wow, gorgeous woodwork, absolutely stunning! Love it that you're sustainable! Thank you so much for this inspiring story, best of luck to Robin and Kathy.
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
Your work is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it with us.
3 years ago
helgesok says:
I love this! I've been so inspired by woodmosaics ever since you were the featured seller a couple of months back. Thanks for sharing your story!
3 years ago
tnkerr says:
As mentioned in the treasury - Truly an inspiration. Wow
3 years ago
flandersfield says:
Wonderful article, wonderful art!
3 years ago
RedPrairiePress says:
so inspiring. wonderful to hear of someone NOT in a city and still thriving with an online shop. Love it.
3 years ago
imogeneANDannie says:
thank you so much for a beautiful, inspiring portrait.
3 years ago
solidio says:
those tables are amazing! kudos to them. living the life!
3 years ago
VickiDianeDesigns says:
wierdwolf thanks for exposing this wonderful craftsman. ( I´ve exposed him in another way ) Robin is a TRUE fabulous artist whose work speaks for itself. I am priveleged to be an Etsy friend and a kiss goes out to him and his lovely wife Kathy X
3 years ago
VickiDianeDesigns says:
( Should clarify my comment about *exposing* Robin... he was featured as the artist behind his lovely work in one of my Treasury´s )
3 years ago
calebwalt says:
agreed with everyone else. beautiful as always, tara. i've watched it several times since it went up. touching and inspirational.
3 years ago
priyacreations says:
Very inspirational work!!!! Thank you for this post!
3 years ago
sean11 says:
Just had a chance to watch this. This is so awesome.
3 years ago
jared says:
That was just absolutely wonderful!
3 years ago
modmomfurniture says:
What a fantastic portrait! I'm in awe of his craftsmanship and inspired by their story.
3 years ago
dottyral says:
I so enjoyed that! Just fabulous!
3 years ago
beachglassbaba says:
I really enjoyed this portrait. What a talent!
3 years ago
CHenry says:
I really love this story of the Tuckers and their life on the farm. So creative and talented. What a wonderful exsistence in these very strange times ! I love the work you do. It's incredible.
3 years ago
crudeco says:
Heard and viewed Mr. Tucker's comments of his own work on Utube two days ago......I could not pull myself away from screen....I watched all of his video's and could not believe such beauty. Just fabulous.
2 years ago
found300 says:
Wonderful work I wonder do you ever make floor. Thant would be amazing. good work. I admire you. regards Mariola
2 years ago
artobject says:
I really admire your persistence with your artistry. You are able to bring such beauty out of such a basic material. Thank you for sharing and thank you for this inspiring video.
2 years ago
Lynnaddison says:
Watching your video has certainly given me a new respect for your work.. You and Kathy are both awesome! Your work is, too. Thanks for letting us into your world for a little peek of wonder... nice place to be. I have so enjoyed it.
2 years ago
nowcreations says:
Wow. Incredible work. I love every piece. Thank you for the video. Looks like a lot of fun.
2 years ago