Perry Peterson

Perry Peterson lived on a farm near Lewis, IA. In his youth, he helped his father “build things” on the homestead. After high school graduation, he joined the Navy and was in the Seabees, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After military service, Perry returned to Southwest Iowa and worked at Cass Health Hospital for 40 years as a 1st class engineer in Plant Operations where he would often use his carpenter skills. When not working, he enjoyed repairing and refinishing furniture. Winter evenings led him to drawing geometric patterns by hand (no computer used). The idea of using these drawings to match different species of woods was born. Each creation is a unique pattern that is never replicated. The unique hinge for the box is handcrafted from wood. In his retirement, Perry has enjoyed having more time to use his creativity in woodworking and spending time with his family.

Artist statement: “I like making sawdust”