Modern Day Alchemy

A visit to Turtle Bay Iron & Wood Works

Story and photos by Ken De Laat

“Nature abhors waste and so should we.” - Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr.

The  medieval chemical science of Alchemy is defined as  a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way.
And alchemy is a good word to describe what occurs at Turtle Bay Iron & Wood Works

Joe Calkins is an artist to be sure but his art is expressed in a method he finds both meaningful and relevant to the human dilemma of what to do about the things we no longer need. This journey involves a particular kind of artistry and depends upon one of the most efficient and practical solutions to our never ending volumes of refuse.
Upcycling.
No, not recycling. Recycling involves the destruction of waste in order to create something new, whereas upcycling takes waste and creates something new from it in its current state.
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The intriguing little studio on the northern outskirts of White Cloud is a testimony to the concept of upcycling. but what Calkins creates and his choice of materials he uses to do so are more like separate art forms. His vision determines the direction of the piece and also discovers what items of once useful items will come into play. 

With years of welding experience, some time on his hands and the purchase of the building that houses Turtle Bay, Joe began by using some of the extensive trash and debris he’d found on the property to create items that took on new identities. Items  once considered to be  junk collaborated under Joe’s guidance to become captivating works of artistic expression that have found homes far beyond the workshop at Turtle Bay. 
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And he seems to have an abundance of material. Timing chains, nuts and bolts of various sizes, thin strips of metal banding, long forgotten kitchenware and a plethora of items that somehow serve up the inspiration needed for transformation.

Beyond the wide array of his artistry the shop is also home to a large collection of wonderful heirloom furniture pieces, each also a rescue item, and managed by Joe’s partner in the store as well as in life, Sharon Calkins.

​Turtle Bay Iron and Wood Works located at 901 N. Evergreen Dr in White Cloud  is a real find for fans of classic furniture pieces and aficionados of unique and thought-provoking metal art.

Joe said he’s usually at the studio between 11a-5p Tuesdays through Saturdays and by appointment. 
 
Their website is www.turtlebayart.com