Douglas Pearson

Home

member American Association of Woodturners

/  Capital Area Woodturners

From enjoying the roar of the chainsaw to the precision of turning a fine, flowing curve on a tall vase, Doug Pearson has found that woodturning provides a journey that is fulfilling physically, artistically and emotionally.  Creating elegant, individually handcrafted art that is based on the essence of a piece of wood is a gratifying experience that continues to inspire. 

Doug has been a craftsman for over 35 years.  His father taught him the trade in his early teens; and instilled in him the value of quality.  He continues to work to the same standards that his dad achieved.  After many years of building furniture and doing basic turnings, Doug bought his first professional lathe in the mid 1990s.  He joined the American Association of Woodturners and the Capital Area Woodturners and started turning in earnest.  Now, in addition to being described as a master woodworker, he considers himself a woodturner and has the logs and shavings to prove it.  

Doug honed his basic skills with two renowned woodturners, Kip Christensen from Provo, Utah and British wood turner, Ray Key.  He then had the pleasure of expanding his techniques with the legendary David Ellsworth at his home in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.  Inspired by David’s incredible talent, Doug started turning hollow forms and vases.  Since then, the intensity of his interest in woodturning and his creativity has grown exponentially.   

Doug lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife, Susan, and teenage daughters, Emily and Erin.  He worked as a computer programmer for over 20 years before becoming a “stay at home dad” and full time woodworker when Emily became diabetic at the age of five.  Happy to be home, he never once looked back longingly on his corporate work life!