A creator at heart. A craftsman by curiosity.
I’m Steven, the maker behind NextGenArtist. In my California workshop, I turn solid hardwood into sculptures that celebrate animals, their personalities, and the place they hold in our lives.
This shop began with an idea—and a machine I didn’t yet own. I wanted to bring the designs in my imagination into the real world, so I built my first CNC carving machine from the ground up, learning the mechanics, electronics, and programming along the way.
That curiosity still shapes everything I make. My process combines digital design and CNC carving with hands-on detailing, sanding, and finishing. I also collaborate with other artists on selected designs, bringing their contributions to life in wood through my workshop.
The wood is part of the artwork. Walnut, maple, cherry, and other hardwoods each bring their own natural color and grain. Even when two sculptures share a design, the wood gives each one its own character.
Pet memorials hold a special place in my work. My German Shepherd sculpture was created in memory of Rocky, my companion for 11 years. That connection is personal to me, and it informs the care I put into pieces that may help someone remember an animal they loved.
Whether you’re choosing a keepsake, finding a gift, or adding a little wildlife to your home, thank you for making my work part of your story.
—Steven
