About the Artist

Since 1980, John Fischer has worked as a sole proprietor and professional woodworker, dedicating his craft to honoring the natural beauty and enduring spirit of trees. He sources his material exclusively from downed or dead standing trees within the Driftless regions of Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa, and Southeast Minnesota—primarily along and adjoining the Mississippi River.

John’s passion is handcrafting bowls from trunk sections, branch-outs, burls, and root balls of these remarkable life forms that are so critical to our planet’s continued existence. Each piece begins with careful observation and respect for the original specimen. He strives to conserve and enhance the natural contours, voids, grain patterns, and organic features unique to every tree.

Using handheld power grinders, sanders, and polishers, John shapes and refines each bowl entirely by hand. Every piece is meticulously finished to an 800-grit burnish, then sealed with either food-grade mineral oil or latex varnish to enrich the wood’s natural grain and color contrasts. The result is functional art that reflects craftsmanship, sustainability, and deep reverence for the landscape from which it came.