Artist Open Studios

John C. Starinovich

Holes in the Woods BRING.NATURE.HOME.

(860) 878-0768

holesinthewoods@gmail.com

17 Lustig Rd.
Willington, CT 06279

Studio Map & Directions

Artists Open Studio Dates:

Nov. 24, 25, 26 & Dec. 2, 3

John Starinovich graduated from Michael Coffeys' School of Fine Woodworking in 1979. He has designed contemporary pieces of furniture and been in Fine Woodworking Biennial Design Book. John's early work was featured in gallerys, exhibits, and newspapers in Vermont. A retired elevator technician, John Starinovich has recently been able to get back to his passion in woodworking. His most recent medium combines his background in woodworking and his love of nature to create unique functional sculptures using tree holes. His tree holes are typically wall-mounted as mirrors or planters to bring the beauty of the natural world into our homes. John is inspired to utilize other materials on his sculptures including metals, minerals, deer antlers, and other wood sculpture. More recently John Starinovich showed his art at Converse Art Gallery, Slater Museum(Norwich, Ct 2018) Paradise City (Northhampton, Ma 2017)Glastonbury Art Show (2017 1st place craft)Mystic Museum of Art (2017) Converse Art Gallery, Slater Museum( Norwich,Ct 2017) Mystic Outdoor Art festival (2016) Artist open Studio ( 2015, 2016) Wood Works (2008 West Springfield MA), BIN 228 restaurant (2008 Hartford CT) and Arts of Tolland (2009 Tolland). 16th Annual Blanche Ames Juried National Art Exhibition, Honorable Mention (Easton, Ma 2019). West Hartford Art League Ceramic & Wood Exhibition(West Hartford, Ct 2019) Invitation to LoosGallery Woodstock Academy Woodstock, Ct. (2019) James Library Art Show, Norwell, Ma (2020) Limner Art Gallery Virtual Shows, "Arte Natura and Show of Heads", Hudson, N.Y. (2020) Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Ct (2021) Art Center East, Vernon, Ct (2021) Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Ma (2021) Ridgefield Guild of the Arts , Ridgefield, Ct. (2021) Scituate Arts Association , Honorable Mention(Scituate, Ma 2021) Signature Artist- Art Center, Vernon, Ct. (2021) New Britain Museum of American Art-"Nor'easter 51st. Annual Juried Exhibition, New Britain, Ct. (2021) and (2022) When John is not watching his grandchildren you will find him in his home woodworking studio in Willington CT.

Artist Statement:

I've been creative most of my life. Like many artists, I don't know why or where it comes from. I'm influenced by Mother Nature's flowing lines seen in water, ice, erosion by the elements, and living processes. I work with tree holes from downed trees. The hole is created by decay and healing process for the tree to survive. Each piece leads to a new discovery and/or process developed to accomplish my vision.
After months of my controlled decay process, I use whimsical thoughts through objects like bone, antler, shells, metal, crystals and different woods and seed pods that I attach to the tree holes. Some have LED illumination. Mirror reflection is an element that enhances the piece, adds functionality and reveals an inner world. Mirror template, cutting and recessing is a difficult and tense part of the process that is rewarding when completed. 1/8th” plywood is used as a back and picture wire for hanging. Finish is flat lacquer and 2P10 wood adhesive. All are dated and stamped with a makers mark.
My workspace is a woodworking shop with traditional and power carving tools with an adjacent gallery displaying numerous pieces.
The process is grueling but driven by passion. It takes a lot for me to conclude a piece and arrive at a finished state. There's always that “just one more thing and I'll be done”. A friend once said to me, “I'm amazed at what you can do with a piece of rotten wood”.