Gary Cota

I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of taking a piece of wood and finding the sculpture hidden inside it. My background as a wood sign carver taught me patience, precision, and respect for the character of the material, and those lessons continue to influence my work today. I’m inspired primarily by nature and wildlife, and I try to capture not only how an animal looks, but something about its personality and the moment it occupies. I enjoy working in relief and carving deeply into the wood to create texture, movement, and dimension, often using the natural grain as part of the piece. My goal is fairly simple: to make something that is beautiful, feels alive, and gives the viewer a reason to stop and look a little closer. Hiding is a good example of that approach. The detailed carving of the animal, leaves, and textures allows the wood itself to become part of the story. I’m grateful to have found a way to continue learning and creating through sculpture, and to be part of a community of artists who appreciate the craft and possibilities of working with wood.