Lori Raper

Bert Poling is a distinguished artisan based in Grand Junction, Colorado, whose mastery of woodturning has blossomed into an exceptional artistic practice. Embracing retirement as a newfound beginning, Mr. Poling has cultivated a refined body of work that seamlessly integrates woodturning, lapidary artistry, and pyrography, resulting in pieces of profound visual and tactile elegance.

His creations reflect a sophisticated dialogue with nature—celebrating wood and stone marred by time and the elements. By embracing natural imperfections such as weathering, fire scars, and insect markings, he reveals the inherent beauty of each material’s story. His skilful inlay work features exquisite minerals—turquoise, malachite, agate, and lapis—carefully set into his turned vessels, enhanced by a range of luxurious finishes that elevate each piece to an objet d’art of remarkable prestige.

Each vessel emerges through an intuitive creative process where form, grain, and mass coalesce into a harmonious presence. Designed not solely as objects of visual admiration, Bert’s pieces invite contemplative touch and intimate interaction, embodying a tactile sophistication that resonates deeply with discerning collectors.

His work has been showcased in esteemed galleries throughout Grand Junction and the surrounding region, captivating audiences with its refined craftsmanship and emotive power. Collectors who acquire Bert Poling’s vessels embrace not just a work of art, but a profound connection to the enduring beauty of the natural world.