Contemporary Fine Art
Russell Bessette
Wood Sculpture
Artist Statement
As I approached retirement after nearly three decades of teaching kindergarten, I discovered a passion for carving Diamond Willow, whose distinctive "diamonds" are formed through the tree's response to a fungal infection. I am continually inspired by the wood's natural patterns, allowing each piece to guide the creative process. I also work with driftwood gathered from rivers throughout the American West and Southwest, drawn to its remarkable diversity of form, texture, and color. Through carving and wood burning, I emphasize line, shape, contrast, and the inherent beauty of each unique piece.
Biography
Drawing on a lifetime of experiences shaped by the landscapes of the American West, Russell Bessette creates wood sculptures that celebrate the enduring beauty and cultural heritage of nature. Inspired by childhood years spent exploring the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming and decades of rafting the rivers of the Southwest, his work reflects a deep appreciation for natural forms, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and desert landscapes. A Vietnam veteran, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Western U.S. History, a Master of Arts in Chinese History, and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education before dedicating nearly three decades to teaching, primarily at the kindergarten level. His career has also included work as a Western historian and photographer during the United States Bicentennial, enriching his artistic perspective through historical research and documentation. Since retiring in 2007 and relocating to Corrales, New Mexico, he has focused on creating increasingly ambitious carved works that honor the landscapes, history, and cultural traditions of the Southwest. Russ continues to collect driftwood and capture photo imagery for his carvings during his numerous multi-week Grand Canyon rafting and hiking trips along the 280 miles of Colorado River's breathtaking cliffs and side canyons.
Russell Bessette
Wood Sculpture
Art Bio
My early years contributed to my love of nature and the outdoors. My parents were outfitters in the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming. After wrangling our horses, which had been turned free in the woods at night, I was free to spend summer days riding to explore rivers, lakes and mountains when I was five and six.
I am a Vietnam veteran. After being discharged, I attended college with the help of $100 a month on the GI Bill. I have completed a BA in Western US History, an MA in Chinese History and an MS in Early Childhood Education.
During the Bicentennial era 1975-76, I worked as a Western historian and photographer for projects in Montana and Wyoming.
I retired in 2007, after nearly 30 years of teaching primarily Kindergarten in Miles City, Montana, and Austin, Texas.
Artist Statement
Nearing retirement, after nearly 30 years teaching Kindergarten, I started carving Diamond Willow, which is not a species of willow, but rather the result of a fungus that attacks 6 out of the hundreds of willow species. The “Diamonds” are an attempt to fight off the fungus, which it fails at and dies, but in the process creates beautiful wood. I am enthralled with this wood, it is exciting to see what will come out as I start carving. It sounds like a cliche, but the wood truly does speak to me.
Another favorite is driftwood, collected on river trips throughout the West and Southwest. There is a rich abundance of size, shape, texture, and coloration. With both woods I emphasize line, shape, color and contrast using wood burning.
Since moving to Corrales, I have expanded my carvings to include larger pieces that feature cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and arches inspired over many years rafting beautiful desert rivers throughout the Southwest. These include seven trips on the Colorado through Grand Canyon, as well as the Dolores, Yampa, Green, San Juan and Salt rivers.
I am looking forward to continuing to explore the beauty and culture of New Mexico.