Julia Tinker's work combines technical prowess with an esthetic sensibility that is rare in any art.  Her work celebrates nature, functionality, and pure sensual pleasure in breathtaking fashion.  These exquisite pieces reveal an artist who imagines the possibilities within even the most humble piece of wood-- and who has the patience and skill needed to set it free for the rest of us to enjoy.  What a joy!

— Jon Forrest Dohlin

Julia’s work is wonderful. Each piece is crafted with wood from local people she knows.  Amazed in the variety of shapes and sizes. The more I purchase the more I want.  Her vessel’s make heirloom gifts to others.  Julia works in others mediums a true artist.

— Liz Bruce

My husband, Rich, and I have known Julia Tinker for many years, and I have had the privilege of teaching alongside her. Over that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand her extraordinary talent and deep passion for working with wood.

Julia has a rare artistic gift—she doesn’t simply create pieces; she reveals the beauty already within the wood. Her ability to envision what each piece can become is remarkable, transforming raw materials into stunning tables, benches, bowls, and canisters that are both functional and deeply meaningful.

Every piece she creates is truly one of a kind, crafted with care, intention, and heart. Bringing one of Julia’s works into your home means adding not just a beautiful object, but a story, a vision, and a lasting expression of artistry.

-Jamie Vannata

When I heard Julia talk about the technique of “turning”, I knew right away that she was a master.   As I continued to talk about her work, her philosophy, and the love that went into what she created, I knew her work would be unique and special.  I ended up purchasing not just one but many of her pieces because I thought they would make a wonderful gift for my friends and family, for whom I wanted to find that special gift.

Julia incorporates her love of the Central Valley into her work.  She carefully and thoughtfully creates art from a piece of wood that is at first a block, then becomes something beautiful.  You can see that years of expertise and technique go into the creation. The artistry, of course, is creating the beautiful object, but the science is the technique that goes into making it.  That knowledge and skill don’t happen overnight.  It takes years of dedication, learning, and practice to create something that looks so effortless, so natural, so organic.

When I find unique pieces of art, I look for that personal touch and that story that connects the art to the artist.  I found that connection with Julia’s work and her company, JT Custom Wood Studio.   As a transplant to the Central Valley, I love that she has connected her art to the Central Valley's love and incorporated it into her pieces.  It makes me proud to be a citizen of the Central Valley, and when you own a piece of her art, whether you live here or not, you will also feel connected to the Central Valley's roots.