Patrick Bell, a native Texan, was raised on South Padre Island, Texas. My family owned a commercial Shrimping business. My introduction to wood working began with learning to repair our fleet of wooden Shrimp Trawlers. I went on to earn my BA from Texas Tech University, and later graduated from Medical School in Fort Worth Texas. My post graduate training was completed in Michigan in General and Gynecological Surgery. I remained in Michigan in private practice until I retired. Prior to retirement, I happened to visit a friend who owned a condo on Boca Grande, and immediately fell in love with the island as it reminded me of my childhood home. During the visit, I was fortunate enough to find and purchase a home on the North end, and moved here in 2010 as a full time resident.
Artist Statement:
Wood working followed me throughout my career. I enjoyed many aspects of creating something from wood. My father was an amateur wood turner and finally convinced me to learn the art. I wasn’t really convinced, but gave it my best. Before his death, he had a special passion for wood and termed wood turning as (Giving life back to fallen trees). As time passed, I began to understand his love of the art. Later I attended Mark Adams school of woodturning in Indiana, and never looked back. I had inherited my Father’s Wood lathe, and found that there were many exotic trees on the island that had to be cut down for one reason or another. Having talked with the local tree trimmers, I found that the fallen trees were taken to the recycling center and destroyed. I have been able to procure all my wood source from the island and now only use local wood for turning. Recently I have discovered that I am able to add colored resin to some of my woodturnings, and create something entirely different. I look forward to continuing my passion and sharing it with others.
If there is any interest, l am certainly open to custom orders provided the wood is local on the island.