“A journey of discovery into myrtlewood, one of the most beautiful of all rare woods.” MYRTLEWOOD MEMOIRS is the story of human integration with a bounty of wild nature beginning with the Spanish explorers’ sightings on America’s west coast through the workings of “The Greatest Myrtlewood Show on Earth,” as corroborated by the author’s hands-on experiences. Readers are invited to enter and weave their way through these magical myrtle groves to the world of wildlife art created from their wood. From southern Oregon, Terry J. Woodall has exhibited his myrtlewood art in major wildlife art shows in New York, Chicago, Miami, Washington D.C., Portland, Seattle, San Diego, and other U.S. locales; internationally in Vancouver, Canada, London, Japan, Russia, and China. Never before has anyone looked so deeply into this national treasure, the myrtlewood of Southern Oregon’s coastal region, and revealed so much about its inner workings, the personalities, and cultural rewards spanning the past 100 years. From this widespread wealth of worldly knowledge and expertise, Woodall brings sharp insight into the background of this singular and wonderful resource. Woodall reminds us that, “Achieving my successes in the art world would never have occurred if I weren’t at home in the heartland of myrtlewood country to pursue my creative work.”
Often my souvenirs from vacations are books. This is no exception. Each time we go to the Oregon coast, we stop at the Myrtlewood Factory in Garibaldi. I found this book in that store. The writer explains the history of myrtlewood and the history of its place in the art world. He explained how crofters obtain their wood, how they prepare it for carving, and how they carve or make fine pieces of artwork or furniture from it. He fills the book with personal experiences and triumphs. I found it very interesting. Of course, I am an Oregonian.
Myrtlewood Memoirs: The Art & Heritage of Oregon Myrtlewood by Terry J Woodall is a unique and thoughtful blend of art, nature, and personal experience. The writing feels authentic and gives readers a deeper appreciation for myrtlewood and its cultural significance.
This book stands out because it speaks to a niche audience that values craftsmanship and heritage, making it more meaningful than typical reads.
1 For readers it offers a calm, reflective and educational experience 2 For the author it has strong potential to grow within targeted communities 3 Featuring it in a book club increases visibility, drives engagement and helps position it as a top rated book for the right audience