Curtis began actively working with wood in 2000, after a successful career in the high tech industry.  His work began with a focus on building furniture using power tools. This ultimately led him to discover the love of using hand tools and subsequently working for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks.  He has spent the last 12+ years teaching and demonstrating for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks all over the US and Europe.

Curtis traces his interest in building and making items to his early childhood. He still has the first tool box he made from scraps at the age of 10.  He particularly admires the strong simple aesthetic of Arts and Crafts style furniture.   He has made numerous bookcases, tables, beds and chests in the Arts and Crafts style.  He also has been an active Woodturner for the last 15 years.  His turnings have included furniture parts, bowls and boxes. The turned materials have included wood, resins, plastics and leather.

Curtis finds the most rewarding part of woodworking is learning new skills and sharing that with others. His passion for teaching began just after college while working as a scuba instructor and dive guide.  This allowed him to teach others the joy of diving and the exploration of nature.  His enjoyment of teaching surfaced during his professional years, and continues into all aspects of woodworking.

Curtis has taught woodworking and woodturning at the Austin WoodCraft and in his Round Rock studio for the last 10 years. He also wrote a monthly article for the Highland Woodturner for many years. He was the 2012 President of Central Texas Woodturners, a member of the American Association of Woodturners, and Fine Woodworkers of Austin.

Curtis lives and works in Central Texas with his wife and four children.

Projects by Curtis Turner