“Artistry in Wood: Reflections of Past and Present, Preserved Forever” by Dr. Leonard G. Trujillo
Dr. Leonard Trujillo, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Allied Health Sciences, will present a 2012 Fall Semester exhibit as part of the Art as Avocation series. Entitled, “Artistry in Wood: Reflections of Past and Present, Preserved Forever”, Leonard will showcase his collection of relief carvings. The exhibit will be on display in the Laupus Library 4th floor gallery and is scheduled to open on September 11 and will run through November 6, 2012.
About the Artist
Dr. Leonard G. Trujillo is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Allied Health Sciences at East Carolina University. Before coming to ECU in 2003, Dr. Trujillo retired from the United States Air Force in 1996. After retirement, he spent many years traveling and living numerous places including Texas. Although he has been an occupational therapist for 35 years, woodcarving has been an avocation of his since early childhood. Memories of making neckerchief slides as a boy scout are some of his first recounts of his life-long passion.
Primarily focusing on relief carving, Dr. Trujillo channels his love of wood and fascination with creating illusion and three-dimensional effects. Also known as “Bas Relief” carving, he begins with a solid plank of wood and carves to create lifelike images of people, old barns, and nature scenes. Many of his carvings depict scenes reminiscent of his travels and love for nature.
Interestingly, he is color blind. Working with a medium that doesn’t require mixing colors or paints, he instead appreciates and enhances the natural beauty of the wood. His carvings are completed with a collection of assorted carving tools and chisels. For now, he works out of his home and garage with hopes of one day owning a studio.
Once a competitor in international shows he no longer participates. He feels the enjoyable process of artistic creativity was compromised by competition for “Best of Show” awards, of which he has won two.