For Neno Catania, a lifetime of working with wood began with a job as a hardwood floor tradesman.
These days, his sculptural woodwork can be found on display in a variety of artistic settings - including a current group exhibition by the Circle Craft Cooperative Association on Granville Island.
Knock on Wood, which celebrates the craft cooperative's 40th anniversary, runs July 24 to Aug. 27 at the Circle Craft Gallery in the Net Loft on Granville Island.
The Italian-born Catania came to Canada at the age of two and was raised in Burnaby, where he still lives.
He says his work with hardwood floors inspired him in entirely new directions.
"That initial contact with wood inspired me to teach myself the art of box making, after spending many hours reading books, magazines, watching videos and attending craft workshops," he said in a press release. "Throughout the 1990s, I developed my skills and techniques working highly figured woods, thereby crating unique sculptural bandsaw boxes."
Catania says he enjoys all aspects of working with wood.
"It's a constant surprise and pleasure to me when I cut into a fresh green log and find what is behind the bark," he said.
Catania uses local woods such as big leaf maple, birch, alder, elm and cherry.
Other artists featured in the Knock on Wood exhibit include Judson Beaumont, Sandy Douglas, Claudia Hayward, Jason Marlow, Peter Pierobon, Ed Pretty, Dale Rouleau and Rainer Schmid.
For more about Catania, see www.ncatwoodworking.wordpress.com.
For more about Circle Craft and the Knock on wood exhibition, see www.circlecraft.net.
