Owner/artist14 years – “The Radiant Artistry of David Golzbein”

David Golzbein has always been a man of patience, but his artistic journey truly began to flourish when he was well into his fifties. Born in the vibrant city of Miami Beach, Florida, David led a rather ordinary life. He worked as a caterer for many years, and prior to that was in business with his family. However, he always harbored a deep passion for the artistic world that he had yet to explore.
It was in 2009, at the age of 53, that David stumbled upon a unique form of artistic expression: woodturning. One sunny afternoon, while taking a leisurely stroll through a park, David encountered an old friend, demonstrating with other members of the South Florida Woodturners Guild. Watching his friend at work in his craft struck a chord within him. He knew this would be his new passion.
Without any prior experience in woodworking, David embarked on a journey to become a woodturner. He joined the woodturners guild and sought guidance from seasoned artisans. His determination to master the craft was unwavering, even if it meant starting late in life.

David’s artistic vision evolved as he experimented with different techniques. His breakthrough came when he discovered the enchanting beauty of epoxy resin. With meticulous precision, he began infusing his wooden creations with colored epoxy resin. The result was nothing short of mesmerizing: bowls and light fixtures that allowed light to shine through, resembling stained glass set within the warmth of wood.

David’s commitment to sustainable art is unwavering. He scours the streets of Miami for trees that have met their demise—either cut down for development or felled by nature’s forces. These fallen giants, destined for wood chippers, become his canvases. Each piece of salvaged wood holds a unique story and character, waiting to be transformed into art.

Creating one of his remarkable pieces is no small feat. It takes David an average of two months from start to finish, a testament to his unyielding dedication to craftsmanship. He developed a unique process of creating grooves in the wood to house the epoxy resin, ensuring that the grain of each piece remains continuous. David’s artistry extends beyond aesthetics. He takes great care to make his creations both beautiful and practical. Every piece is meticulously sanded to a baby-smooth finish. To ensure they are safe for serving food, he finishes them with food-safe mineral oil and natural wax, creating functional art that can be used daily.

As David Golzbein’s reputation grew, so did the demand for his unique creations. His pieces have found homes in art galleries and in homes throughout the world. But for David, the true reward is the joy and wonder his art brings to people’s lives.

In his late-blooming journey as an artist, David Golzbein has not only found his passion but also discovered a way to breathe new life into the fallen trees of Miami. His radiant wood creations, infused with the spirit of the city’s discarded giants, continues to shine as a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic vision. And so, the story of David Golzbein, the woodturner who turned fallen trees into illuminated masterpieces, remains an inspiring tale of late-in-life creativity and the enduring power of art.