Brian Jackson, a native Californian born in 1951, is a man with many interests. As a young child, Brian always had the curiosity to try and figure out how things worked. That meant, at times, dismantling his toys or friend's toys, then trying to re-construct them.

As he grew older, Brian continued to enjoy working with his hands. In high school he took woodshop as well as metal shop. He once worked in a prosthetics factory where artificial limbs were made. From there he became a finish carpenter and has worked in that trade since 1973. In 1991, he became a finish carpentry contractor specializing in stair work. In all, Brian has been in the trade for over 30 years.

Other hobbies of his include the turning of mineral spheres and the art of bonsai which he has been practicing for over 25 years. Brian's interest in wood peaked as he began his expressive venture in woodturning by taking basic woodturning classes at a local facility. He enjoyed it so much that he purchased his own lathe, set up shop, and began turning at home. Some of his first creations were boxes, bowls, and vases. Brian was attracted to thin bowls where light could pass through them, so it seemed only natural that the next step using the same technique could be used to create lamps with turned shades to be lit from within. At the 2003 Del Mar Fair, one of Brian's lamps was honored with The Turning Center Award -- they give only one award each year.

"I am intrigued as each turning transforms before my eyes into something pleasing. To me, that's the fun of woodturning. This is a fascinating art, and I look forward to the many challenges ahead!"