JIM GRIECO

ARTIST BIO

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Jim relocated to the sunny Phoenix area in 1996 and has called it home ever since. His journey took a pivotal turn when he met his wife, Robin, as re-entry students at Arizona State University. Because of his severe hearing loss, traditional foreign language classes were a challenge, so Jim chose to study sign language. In that class, he and Robin were paired together as the only two students in their 40s—a pairing that blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

Their shared passions became the foundation of their small business, Lather and Lathe. While Robin crafts soaps and bath products, Jim discovered his calling in woodturning. Together they began showing their work at arts and crafts festivals, with Robin presenting her creations and Jim showcasing his vessels. Over time, each has charted their own creative path: Robin continues to evolve her designs, while Jim has devoted himself to wood art that transcends utility and embraces artistry.

Since 2020, Jim has focused on segmented woodturning, a meticulous process that allows him to combine diverse woods into intricate, one-of-a-kind designs. His goal is to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with wood, creating pieces that captivate both the eye and the imagination.

Jim has exhibited in numerous art shows across the Valley and currently has work on display at On The Edge Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. He is also a proud member of the Sonoran Arts League.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Lost in the woods. Where I lose myself and find my art”

Nature’s beauty has always captivated me, especially the quiet strength and individuality of trees. Each tree grows in its own way, carrying a distinct story within. What fascinates me most is the hidden beauty revealed through grain patterns, colors, and even the subtle fragrances of wood. My work as a wood artist is devoted to bringing these stories to life.

Through segmented wood vessels, I explore the interplay of form and pattern. By combining multiple species—each with its own character—I create designs that no single wood could achieve alone. This process allows me to craft intricate, layered narratives that invite each viewer to see something different, to connect in their own way.

Every vessel is a labor of love, often requiring weeks and up to 100 hours of meticulous work. I begin by envisioning a shape, then designing a pattern that harmonizes with it. Each piece of wood is milled to precise thickness, cut to exact dimensions, and joined one by one. Some vessels contain more than 3,000 individual pieces, all assembled without lasers or CNC machines—only patience, handwork, and respect for the material.

The result is more than an object; it is a collaboration with nature, a celebration of its hidden beauty, and a reminder that even the smallest fragments can come together to form something extraordinary. Each finished vessel makes me smile, because it carries both the story of the tree and the story of my hands.