My name is Chris Downs, I currently reside in Phoenix, AZ. My day job is a Safety Manager for a construction company. My true interest lies in wood working. I have been dabbling in wood work since I was 10 with my grandfather in his shop back in Iowa. A lot of my experience has come from trial and error. This is a skill that will never be perfected but that will not keep me from trying.
My concepts and methods are fairly simple, research – deconstruct – rebuild. I draw a lot of my inspiration from nature, Japanese style wood work and other unique and creative pieces I see at events and online. Usually I have a plan in mind when I start and about half way through I decide to change something to make it just a little bit different and better. That is the great thing about this, I am in control and can use my imagination and creativity to challenge my skills and provide a great looking piece of art.
Where do I source my wood? This depends on the project. I am very conscious about this subject and when possible I re-purpose wood that will otherwise be thrown away. My day job has me on a construction site, so I have access to some construction materials that would be thrown away. I support my local small business when a project requests specific type of lumber or there is no access to re-purposed material. I try to use all the scrap pieces that comes off of my projects as well. That is the idea behind “The Remnants”. If your project calls for all re-purposed or new wood I will do my best to meet those needs.
Reach out to me if there is a project you would like to work on. Quotes and conversations are free. Usually someone will say "Hey I saw this on pintrest, can you make it?" That is where the research-deconstruct-rebuild part comes in and I say "Yes!".
Contact: chris.downs44@gmail.com
Instagram: @catalystwork | @downsforagoodtime