Jane Markham – Artist Spotlight

Who are you and what do you do? 

I am Jane Markham, a 74-year-old woodworker. After my husband, Sandy, ascended in 2007, with the help of my family, I have carried on his legacy. I wanted to learn about everything in our shop & he still guides me. Our focus has been creating wooden art pieces that begin as Northern California hardwoods—Claro (Black) Walnut, English Walnut, Big-Leaf Maple—logs & burls. They have been reclaimed from aged trees. We create a variety of keepsake heirloom treasure boxes & Incense boxes and small vases.

Why do you do what you do?

I feel our domestic hardwoods are gorgeous & not endangered. Most of this reclaimed wood might be burnt or destroyed if we didn’t rescue these unique specimens.

What themes do you pursue?

We have always displayed the most special natural designs & highlight the incredible grains & patterns in the wood. I’ve been told that featuring knots, natural cracks & live-edges is what other woodworkers discard. We’re making boxes for people who love beautiful wood. They are hand-finished with a natural beeswax to penetrate so one can feel how caressable the wood is. All the work is done in my shop: we say, ‘we let the wood talk’.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

In 1991, my nephew returned from Dharamsala, India, where he had a private visit with the Dali Lama. Aaron brought us a Tibetan Incense Box. We styled ours using our walnut similar to the ones used in the Monasteries in Tibet. They use hand-made Tsho-Drong ZIMPO which we have used ever since.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I was an English teacher in high school, college, & Adult ED from 1974-1999. I was “The Tree Lady” as a facilitator for a forestry education program from 1991-2020 that became Talk About Trees. I held presentations for 1000’s of Nevada & Placer Counties’ 3rd-6th grade students.

What are your hobbies?

Who has time for hobbies—there is always something to do. I love to eat so cooking is special. Also, I love to read. My most favorite is now is watching my 2-year-old grandson, Nova, grow & change. He & my daughter, Lilia, have been with me since last August. He reminds me to “be in the present moment!”