These are examples of the exploration of sculpture beyond wood turned vessels. Some of the sculptures have turned wood elements, while some may not. These sculptural pieces press into the beauty of pure form non-representational expression.

Perturbations are disturbances of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium. These pieces are eccentric and abstract, capturing the disturbance of motion within the wood itself due to internal tensions in the wood grain. The perturbations have a very organic and unpredictable feel, while their bent forms offer an alluring mystery as to how they were formed.

Modern and minimalist, this series of white-washed work exemplifies pure form. So often in wood art, the impact of a design can be overpowered by the natural beauty of the wood. With white-washed forms there is nowhere to hide. Both the material and the design stand out without competing. Displayed on matte black bases, the clean lines and natural texture work interdependently to draw the viewer in.

The contemporary minimalist aesthetic of each piece captures the simplicity of the shape, allowing the viewer to appreciate its form. 

There is a moment in the fire where all is lost. Deeply charred at the threshold of threateningly high temperature, minerals in the wood begin to iridesce. Scorched pieces highlight not just the charcoal black, but also the gunmetal grey and slight iridescence that form at high heat, giving the work a captivating raku-like effect.

This series seeks to find beauty from ashes; bringing the wood to the very brink of destruction yet leaving enough intact to be structurally sound.

Most of Jacob’s work falls into the category of wood turned vessels and hollow forms. This category exemplifies the pursuit of pure form while also highlighting the natural beauty of the wood itself. The forms can range from organic, to classic or contemporary. While some of the vessels are created using wood that is simply stunning by nature, many are made from raw material that would typically be considered junk: wood that contains spalting, voids, stress cracks, bark inclusions, or other imperfections. The transformation from something that was cast aside to something beautiful and treasured is masterfully captured in these pieces.