Robert J. Lentz of Pungoteague, VA, is an artist that specializes in woodturning and sculpture. He found his artistic niche preserving the history and beauty of special trees. He works with homeowners and landowners to make art from trees that have special meaning to them. "Trees are special," he says. "They affect our lives and our imagination. People often develop an emotional attachment to them. Unfortunately, trees get old, develop defects and succumb to disease, drought and storms."

At this point, Lentz transforms a fallen tree into a works of art, one that has special meaning for an owner whose life was touched by the tree. He also uses downed trees that grew at historic and interesting sites. When asked, "What wood does he like best? His answer is always the same, "I like wood with a good story behind the tree."

Lentz’s entire life is associated with forests and woodworking. He began woodworking at age 8 when he got a jigsaw for Christmas. As a youngster in Williamstown, PA, he helped his grandfather at a sawmill. In high school he worked with his father at a furniture store. He earned a forestry degree from Colorado State University. After 30 years with the US Forest Service he retired and now devotes full time to his art.

His works are featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine, Woodwork, American Woodturner, Forest Landowner Magazine and many other art and newspaper publications. He published a book titled, "Trees of Inspirations" that captures the stories of many of the trees he used for his art.

Contact him at (757) 442-4295, rlentz1@verizon.net