Brian R. Melton

The staccato rhythm of the mallet, the soft whisper of the gouge, and the whirring of power tools keep time as Brian R. Melton, a vernacular artist who was nearly thirty when he fell in love with wood sculpture, composes narratives from raw blocks of wood in his East Tennessee studio.  

While largely self taught, Brian has studied abroad under the guidance of Bruno Walpoth, funded by a traditional arts grant from South Arts where he has now served as a mentor for other artists in the Emerging Traditional Artists program. His work is currently included in Southern Highlands Craft Guild's Allanstand Interiors Collection. He also teaches workshops regularly at John C. Campbell Folk School. Brian’s work has been exhibited in the international publication based in Scotland, “We Are Makers”; on the cover of YNST Magazine; at Ann Marie Sculpture Garden and and Arts Center, a Maryland based Smithsonian Affiliate; at the Knoxville Museum of Art; and frequently at Tennessee based regional and national exhibitions where he has earned several top awards. Brian also teaches and demonstrates frequently.  

Brian hopes to inspire others who come from similar, humble origins to pursue their passions, to embrace their gifts with an unrelenting work ethic, a trait he consistently models: often working first shift at a construction company and working second or third shift in his studio to meet deadlines in advance. In the early stages of his artistic career Brian carved a month-long competition, starting two weeks late due to injury. When healed enough to work, he supported the forefinger of his guide hand with a splint to cover unhealed stitches and carved a portrait of his beautiful, loving wife. The resulting award worked to propel his career and present him as a relevant wood sculptor on an international scale."

Artist Fee: $1,000-$5,000 (depending on scope, distance traveled, time commitment, number of works delivered/shipped)
Availability: 

• Booked Solo Show: Appalachian Center for Craft, June 8- August 8, 2027.   
• My wife and I are expecting another baby in September 2026.    
• Schedule open/flexible: Current date- May 2027. 

Contact 
Email Brian R. Melton 
www.brianmeltonwoodsculpture.com
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