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Story by
weirdwolf,
woodmosaics
Published on September 19, 2008 in This Handmade Life |
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MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes
(Music credit: 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.
| Tags | carpentry, furniture, Handmade Portraits, Missouri, mosaics, Robin Tucker, Tara Young, video, weirdwolf, wood, woodmosaics, woodworking |
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72 comments Login to add your own!
leolucaescobar
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!
t8designs
fantastic portrait of world-class artisans. thank you so much for sharing your story!
littlepurls
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
PeteCorrie
cuddlycozy
Incredibly exquisite work. What a gift to possess! Only the best in going forward to The Tuckers.
harvesttextiles
TheSingingBird
I love seeing and hearing stories like yours. Thank you for sharing, and I hope your sales go zooming! :)
autumncomfort
MyNovember
Really beautiful work. I love the juxtaposition in their lives.
thefunkyfelter
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 :)
FeltInspired
RonH
Great story. As a woodworker and admirer of his work, I am glad to learn more of the people and process.
woodmosaics
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 ear”. We surely do thank you.
twolefthands
What a sweet and wonderful life! I enjoyed your story and your work is wonderful! Congratulations and may you have continued success!
HomeStudio
weirdwolf
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!
Vanessa
I'm a proud owner of one of woodmosaics' coasters. It's the most beautiful piece of functional art!
UglyKitty
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. :)
autumnsarrival
Oh my GOODNESS! SUCH art! How absolutely beautiful!!! I love the couple and I love their work and I love their house!!!! WOWSA!
UniqueDesigns39
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.
jasonmseger
badcatjewelry
nanouke
mtraub
vintageland
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!!!!!!
dogties
LushMommy
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 :)
mayahayuk
WOWWWWW!!!! thank you for letting me into your beautiful, magical world. i love how your crafts intermingle. simply stunning. thank you!
pgandwooster
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!
snowflakeglass
So Impressed - this is incredible work.....Congratulations from a fellow Missourian!
HossLass
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!
confections
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.
TeenAngster
This is so amazing. I envy the simplicity of this Robin and Kathy's life! This is truly inspiring.
canadianwoodcrafts
Congrats on being featured Robin, your work is awesome and most deserving. :)
Barry
notmoira
GreetingFriends
Such detailed, beatiful art. That's what it is. Wonderful art!!!!!!!!
silentlanguages
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.
no2alike
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.
LynetteFast
Aren't these mid-western values great! So glad to see this spotlight on a wonderful family!
atomicveggiecom
marylynnplaisance
NikiJewellery
beautiful, beautiful work! Love your lifestyle too :) All the best!
Throughmariseyes
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
SugarAndSpice
SingingSky
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!
gottacraft
Beautiful work, beautiful people.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. So inspirational!
God bless.
appcraftsmen
adubois
chakrapennywhistle
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for this portrait!
The video is just amazing. Fantastic story!
hearthsidetreasures
Awesome, inspiring work, fellow Missourians! Thanks for the inspiration to keep creating, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!
WingsDove
Robin and Kathy have my applause: Living self-sufficient lives, living their bliss, creating beautiful hand-made art.
twiststyle
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!
ohmybuttons
Incredible!! The woodwork is amazing and what nice people you seem to be, and living your dream, too :) Thank you for the inspiration.
dancingcircle
This is the best artisan feature I've seen thus far in the Storque - an excellent example of classic American craft.
KalliopeJewelry
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.
BlackStar
helgesok
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!
tnkerr
flandersfield
RedPrairiePress
so inspiring. wonderful to hear of someone NOT in a city and still thriving with an online shop. Love it.
imogeneANDannie
solidio
VickiDianeDesigns
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
VickiDianeDesigns
( Should clarify my comment about *exposing* Robin... he was featured as the artist behind his lovely work in one of my Treasury´s )
calebwalt
agreed with everyone else. beautiful as always, tara. i've watched it several times since it went up. touching and inspirational.
priyacreations
sean11
jared
modmomfurniture
What a fantastic portrait! I'm in awe of his craftsmanship and inspired by their story.
dottyral
beachglassbaba
Previous Page
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!