Ft Artist | Lance Gibbs
Lance Gibbs
Visit Lance’s Pop Up inside YardCity on September 2nd 6-9 PM, and his Exhibition at the LH Museum of History through September 24th.
Lance, how long have you been woodworking?
I have always liked working with wood, but first began creating art after I retired in 2007. When we bought the house in Havasu in 2011, I began setting up a working studio. The garage and estate sales in the area allowed me to collect a wide variety of equipment. The ample studio area allowed me the freedom to create as I hadn’t been able before.
Additionally, I do have a designated metal working area outside, so I can combine the mediums, or focus on one or the other.
Where do you find the beautiful pieces of various woods and turquoise used in your sculptures?
Virtually all of the turquoise used in my art is from Kingman Turquoise. It is the only way I can be assured the turquoise is genuine. Some driftwood is found locally at the lake.
I brought tons of wood from my in-laws property in Indiana, when we relocated here, not expecting Arizona to offer much. That was quickly disproven as I have been fortunate to have been given Olive, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Mesquite and Lysiloma from the golf course and landscapers. But, of course, if the truck goes on a trip, it is likely to come back filled with wood or scrap metal.
How did you land in Lake Havasu from New Zealand?
At 20, I decided to see the world. I started in South Africa and ended up driving a VW bus all the way to London with a couple of buddies. In London I got a job with the McLaren F1 team, during the time they won the championship with James Hunt in 1976. In 1979 I ended up with Team McLaren in Detroit on the IndyCar circuit. From there I relocated to Indy, married, and started a business in commercial graphics for racing and industry. In 1994, we visited Lake Havasu for the IJSBA World Finals, returning every year. At retirement, it was decided Lake Havasu offered the lifestyle that suited us best.
What's your favorite part about Lake Havasu's Artist community?
The People. Both the fellow artists and the patrons are friendly and welcoming. Hans Finsterwalder, a local woodworking legend and friend, has been very generous in sharing his knowledge and expertise. Many of the art patrons relish the opportunity to tour my studio and collect a piece or two. They appreciate seeing the processes that go into turning a chunk of wood and/or metal into art.
