Woodworking Items

Item Description

American Beech Bench carved with chainsaw from massive fallen limb of PH's famous American Beech, finished with Paua Shell (New Zealand abalone), epoxy resin and tung oil lacquer.

Artisan: Roy G. Fitzgerald, M.D.

I have always cut and split wood for stoves and fireplaces in our Swarthmore, PA home. My uncle Bob taught me wood lore and chainsaw safety. The shift to artistic work began when my wife, Jennie, gave me a saw designed for wood carving. This gift was soon followed by another – safety gear including Kevlar chaps, as she was shocked by the bleeding saw marks on my leg. “Looks like a jaguar clawed you!” While still active as a psychiatrist, I explained my dedication to carving and shaping and finishing large wood logs as a welcome respite from the challenges of my patients, “I can’t think of anything else with a chainsaw in my hands.”

With donated and found wood, I have created furniture – tables, chairs for the granddaughters, benches as well as abstract pieces. Awards include audience vote at a national psychiatric convention’s artists exhibit, Jacob Javits Center, NYC and a recent blue ribbon, cash award for Best Sculpture in Show, July 2013, show in the juried “Pairings” Series July-September 2014, Honorable Mention Red Ribbon also with cash award in the October 2014 regional juried show, all at the Rehoboth Art League where I regularly exhibit in the members’ gallery and shows. There have been a couple of two person shows – with Kathryn Harris and her photography at The Lavinia Gallery several years ago, and with Mark Harris and his prints at our 310 Walnut Street Gallery, September 2014, both in Milton, Delaware. It been fun to give pieces to family and friends, as well as to sell pieces I’ve already made and on commission, to friends, relatives, and strangers.

I most enjoy smoothing and finishing wood so as to show color, grain patterns and spaltings (irregular fungal intrusive marking lines) of aged wood and letting my imagination and delight soar. As a 40+ year convinced Friend and member of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting, I worship with my wife, board member Jennie Keith, during meetings at PH.

Dimensions: 28"x19"x13"

Weight: 49 lbs.

Photographs taken by Samantha Smith

Item Special Note

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