michael anderson

For Michael Anderson, wood is the ideal medium for his bowls and sculptural work.

As a sustainable and renewable resource, wood compels the Tennessee artist to approach its use with respect and thoughtful design.

Artist: Born on Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, Anderson moved frequently since his father was in the Air Force. The family lived in several places in the United States as well as in Germany for a few years. The family returned to Texas, where Anderson graduated from high school.

His parents moved the following year to Tennessee, where Anderson earned a BS in biology from Middle Tennessee State University and a MS in instructional design and technology from the University of Tennessee. He has lived in Chattanooga since 2015

In addition to creating his own pieces, Anderson works as a biology professor at Chattanooga State Community College.

Company/studio: Based in Chattanooga since 2021, the artist outfitted his home garage as his studio. He signs his art pieces and calabash bowls as Michael Anderson, but also uses the moniker Ulmus Woodturning for production items.

In the beginning: Since his father worked with wood, mainly construction and other utilitarian projects, Anderson figures that he instilled in him a love for wood.

During Covid, Anderson bought some basic flat working tools (like a table saw and planer) and started making cutting boards, boxes and other related items.

Gradually his interests shifted toward art pieces. When his first child was born in May 2021, Anderson decided to forgo other interests (primarily rock climbing) and focus on wood art. This also allowed him to spend more time at home with his growing family.

Art & materials: Bowls and sculptural pieces primarily made with domestic hardwoods that Anderson sources near his home and other places in the southeastern United States. The trees are mainly storm-fallen, or felled due to disease and/or landscaping needs.

Anderson also utilizes exotic non-domestic hardwoods as needed for design purposes, as well as non-wood materials (ceramic, metal, textile).

“My favorite pieces tell a story,” said Anderson. “They also encourage interaction, such as turning a bowl over to find a hidden surprise on the bottom. I find great joy when someone sees my work and wants to know more.”

What’s popular:

Shreddies Bowls. Classic bowl forms (primarily Hawaiian calabashes) that are wood burned, carved, and painted. The name “Shreddies” is a light-hearted reference to some of the bowls having the same texture as shredded wheat cereal ($500 to $1,500). “My intention is to juxtapose a beautiful, flowing bowl form with elaborate geometric surface embellishments,” said Anderson.
Egg Forms. In these sculptures, a small egg is permanently affixed — but still mobile — within a hollow cavity of a large egg. ($250 to $900).
Traditional Hawaiian Calabash Bowls. These bowls are a testament to a traditional Hawaiian bowl from, and represent the historical significance of utilitarian wood objects in society. ($150 to $700).

Favorite or must-have tools: The wood lathe is his primary tool. Also carving chisels, rotary and wood burning tools, plus paints and inks.

“I love (the wood lathe) for the instant gratification I get when quickly removing material, but also for the rhythm at which I can work,” said Anderson.

Inspirations:

Stories, emotions, and personal experience.
Organic shapes and textures found in nature.
Geometric designs found in architecture and industry.
Artists, including: Jacques Vesery (wood), Robbie Graham (wood), William Moore (mixed media), Tammy Garcia (ceramic), David Huang (metal), Dewey Garrett (wood) and Melissa Engler (wood).

Fun, special or unusual commissions: Recently created a fun bowl (“The Sun and The Moon”) that emulated tile mosaic construction, but was fully carved and painted wood.The piece depicted multiple landscape scenes, and was purchased by a client for his sun-themed home gallery.

Recent awards/honors:

Two pieces (“Winter Days and I Navigate These Sees by Starlight”) selected for the Best of Tennessee Craft Biennial Exhibition on display at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Through 2024.
Chosen to be a regional demonstrator at the Rocky Mountain Woodturning Symposium in Loveland, CO, in September 2024.

Recent project: A complex wooden teapot (entitled Ban Wa Renaissance) for an upcoming exhibit at Chattanooga’s River Gallery.

“My teapot is based on a traditional Chinese form, but is embellished with modern surface treatments and colors,” said Anderson.

Where to buy: