David Charles Knipfer
Master Woodworker
David’s artistic goal is to build heirloom quality wood objects that are functional for daily use and showcase the wood’s natural figure, color, and textures. He is fascinated by the technical challenges of building functional wood art with expressive design elements.
His woodworking journey as an artisan began 25 years ago with making bedroom furniture for his infant son. Since that time, David’s design aesthetic has evolved into creating smaller-scale forms.
David executes his wood art pieces with the intention that the object passes through generations. His wood designs harmoniously blend form and proportion while incorporating flowing curves and spectacular figured hardwoods. His craftsmanship results in exceptionally executed pieces that transcend convention.
David has exhibited in numerous juried art shows and has been recognized with five awards for artistic excellence, including Best of Show at Arts Alive, Ocean City. Photographs of his work have appeared on the cover of Crafts Report magazine, Fine Woodworking gallery, and in Lark Books 400 Wood Boxes. He has been an invited instructor to Howard County Woodworkers Guild and the Washington DC Woodworkers Guild. He has been cited on various social media how-to videos for his design expertise. His joy in the craft– pursuing elegant form and function– has not abated.
David continues professional employment as a Facilities Manager for Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona, and an MSE in Industrial Engineering, from Arizona State. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Arizona and Maryland. In addition, he is a licensed 1st Grade Stationary Engineer in Maryland.
David’s art is available at the HorseSpirit Arts Gallery in Savage, MD.