About the Artist
My father was a  carpenter, but I had little interest in woodworking until a few  years ago
when I was in an art gallery in southwest Texas and saw the work of a local artist.  
He had turned a  large and exquisite bowl from the local Mesquite.

I commented to my wife that I would like to be able to create this type of beauty.  
She told my son that I wanted to learn to turn wood.  
That Christmas he gave me a lathe  and a few pen kits.   
We tried out the lathe that day in the garage.  I've been hooked ever since.  

Professionally I did International shipping and forwarding...
But after 40 years of dealing with the U.S. Customs Service,  Department of Commerce Export regulations,
and all the problems associated with shipment coordinations,  I have decided that wood turning and wood working
is much more relaxing and enjoyable.

In 2005 I took early retirement and moved from the big city of Houston, Texas, to the little town of Tellico Plains, Tennessee,
where I have built a nice new and spacious shop to play in and plan to devote as  much time as possible to
my wood turning.   I am  essentially self taught.  I bought a number of books,  videos and a lots of trial and error before
becoming somewhat competent in my work.  
I started turning pens and other small turnings but have progressed to larger more artistic items.  
And after nearly five years of turning, I finally learned to turn bowls.

I am presenting my collection of hand made artwork as custom made quality writing instruments,
ball point pens, fountain pens, roller ball pens,
plus bowls, pepper mills,  bottle stoppers, tea lights and candle holders,  darts and game calls.  
And have recently added wine goblets to my line.

My pens are made from various exotic and domestic woods, deer antler and acrylics.  
Each one is a one of a kind, no two items will be exactly alike.  

My other turnings are also from local domestic and exotic imported woods.
Each of the items shown on this site is in stock now, unless marked otherwise..
What you see is what you will get.  

I do a few Art and Craft shows to market my wares, but would rather spend my time turning, instead of selling.  
Hopefully this site will become a successful marketing strategy to pass along my turnings to appreciative customers.

I've tried to be as concise and specific in my descriptions of the items on this site and to anticipate any questions,
but if I have not covered your specific question, feel free to contact me.  
Click on the contact link below and you will be directed to my email.  I check email frequently and
will reply as soon as possible.
I appreciate all of my customers and do my utmost to insure their satisfaction.

If you have any questions about any of my products, or if you see a piece that isn't in stock,
but you would like something similar please feel free  contact me.

Chuck Ellis
All though they are no longer shown on my web-site, I have a number of pieces available
at a local gallery in down town Knoxville, TN.
They may be viewed at their web-site.  

The Unarmed Merchants, 129 Gay Street, Knoxville, TN
I've had the good fortune of having a write up about the artist in Everything West magazine of Knoxville, August 2008 when
I was featured as the guest artist for a local gallery that carries a number of my art pieces.  Click here to read the write up.