Jim Kearns Art

Jim Kearns is a contemporary wood artist based in Lyons, Colorado, known for creating unique intricate wall pieces that utilize salvaged lumber. His work is recognizable for its focus on the end grain and composition, a technique that highlights the natural history and organic patterns within the wood itself. Kearns transforms old pieces of lumber into mosaic-like surfaces, with many designs incorporating repeating geometric and psychedelic motifs, faces of entities, and distinct eyes.

​Kearns developed his specialized process through independent experimentation. He works predominantly with reclaimed wood, where he cuts strips and reassembles them to shift the grain direction. This technique not only creates unique patterns but also intentionally incorporates natural imperfections like knots and color variations, allowing the raw beauty of the wood to dictate the final effect.

​Kearns’ inspiration is drawn from a mixture of sources: the inherent patterns found in nature, the non-dual philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, and the improvisational freedom of psychedelic rock music.