From a young age, Mark Bair was immersed in creativity, growing up in a household shaped by the artistic influence of his grandmother and mother—both talented artists, artisans, and accomplished cooks and bakers. Surrounded by tools, materials, and the spirit of craftsmanship, Mark developed an early appreciation for the world of artmaking.
Like many artists, he has explored a wide range of mediums, including paper, paint, clay, and eventually wood. In the late 90s, Mark began studying wooden boat building, which sparked a deeper interest in woodcarving—a medium that has captivated his attention ever since. Alongside his carving work, he continues to keep several sketchbooks active and always has his watercolors nearby. Although much of his work is created in solitude, Mark finds great joy in teaching his craft. Sharing techniques and ideas with like-minded individuals is a fulfilling and energizing part of his artistic life!
By 2019, Mark had built a successful art business spanning two decades. He taught workshops, exhibited in galleries, and traveled the east coast craft circuit. His work is held in permanent museum collections and has been collected around the world. In response to the pandemic in 2020, Mark closed his studio and embraced life as a full-time RVer, splitting his time between the Illinois Valley in the spring and summer, the Oregon Coast in the fall, and the Mojave Desert during the winter months. Today, he maintains a small studio in Southern Oregon and continues to create wherever he travels, always finding space for art in his ever-changing surroundings.