For more than three decades, Scott and Stephanie Shangraw, the husband-and-wife team behind Shangrila Woodworks, have combined their talents to create striking wood sculptures and vessels that blur the line between natural form and artistic expression. Their tagline, “Art Where Nature Ends,” perfectly captures the philosophy that guides their work. Scott’s interest in woodworking began in high school, but it wasn’t until the couple reached their thirties that they both committed to pursuing art as a full-time vocation. Before that decision, Scott and Stephanie spent years managing retail businesses, navigating the challenges and demands of the commercial world. Eventually, they realized they wanted a life that allowed creativity, independence, and artistic exploration to take center stage.
Early in their artistic journey, the Shangraws found inspiration in the work of legendary furniture maker Sam Maloof. Following that influence, they initially focused on creating finely crafted furniture pieces. For several years, they produced sculpted furniture that showcased both craftsmanship and artistic design. Over time, however, their interests shifted toward carving unique sculptural forms, allowing them to push the material further and explore more expressive possibilities. While Scott is responsible for much of the carving and shaping of each piece, Stephanie plays an equally vital role in the creative process. Drawing on her own artistic background, she contributes to the vision and design direction behind many of their works. Once the carving is complete, she brings each sculpture to its final stage through careful sanding and finishing, a meticulous process that reveals the beauty and depth of the wood itself. The couple’s work is deeply influenced by the natural landscapes surrounding their home in New Mexico. Living among vast skies, desert terrain, and rugged mountains provides a constant source of inspiration. Their sculptures often begin with salvaged or reclaimed wood, giving fallen trees a second life through art. Working with these materials allows the natural grain, shape, and imperfections of the wood to guide the creative process. Their approach is both intuitive and technically demanding. Raw wood is transformed through a range of tools, including chainsaws, grinders, and specialized carving equipment. The Shangraws also incorporate a variety of techniques into their work, including stone inlays, glass accents, surface texturing, and copper patina applications.
Each finished sculpture reflects a balance between the material’s natural character and the artist’s imagination. The forms often feel fluid and dynamic, as if the wood itself has grown into its final shape rather than being carved into it. This interplay between natural structure and artistic vision is at the heart of their work. Scott and Stephanie also draw inspiration from other artistic mediums, particularly glass, whose flowing shapes and organic lines influence many of their sculptural designs. By incorporating these visual ideas into their carving process, they continue to expand the boundaries of traditional woodworking.
As Shangrila Woodworks continues to evolve, Scott and Stephanie remain committed to experimenting with new carving techniques, exploring innovative forms, and pushing the limits of what wood sculpture can become. Through their work, they seek to create pieces that resonate emotionally with viewers while honoring the material’s beauty and life.
www.shangrilawoodworks.com
IG | @shangrawwoodsculptures
