About
life in Gualala
windswept gnarled doug fir
our tough as nails paradise
sunset over the Pacific
from a ridgetop in Gualala
(photo and haiku by barry semegran)
Born and raised in New York City, I was able to take advantage of a broad range of cultural facilities and activities. My earliest interests, however, definitely were science oriented and this carried through my first years of academic study at UC San Diego pursuing chemistry and marine biology.
Finding modern scientific thought to be too much analysis and not enough synthesis, I began studying Philosophy at UC Santa Barbara, especially Ancient Greek Philosophy. Known as the "Queen of the Sciences", Philosophy afforded me the opportunity to contemplate the most general principles such as being, goodness, and beauty and to study other's attempts to become enlightened or understand these things. I continued with post-graduate work in Ancient Greek Philosophy and Classics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
My interest in art and aesthetics stem from my fascination with the beauty inherent in every aspect of our universe, be it on the microscopic level all the way to the galactic. My abilities in art or craft stem most likely in part from my genetic inheritance combined with my persistence in learning, as well as I can, whatever subject grabs my interest and concentration. Woodworking has done so for more than 25 years.
I make custom tables, blanket chests, easels, lamps, screens, beds, built-ins and lathe turned accessories for many of the spectacular homes along the Mendocino/Sonoma coast. Living in redwood country affords me the opportunity to built outdoor furniture using this beautiful and durable wood. Now you can purchase my creations no matter where you live. Please explore my web site and contact me for further information.
Barry Semegran
PO Box 776
Gualala, CA 95445
707/884-4606
barrysemegran.com
Haiku
about trees and wood
by barry semegran
cold brown stiff redwood needles
sown by the fall wind
forest floor throw rug
southwind rain gusts
bristling NW weathered trees
nape hair forward blown
dew filled spider webs
tensely woven in the sun
hold up the dead limbs
redwood needles strewn
by pruning south wind
Gualala’s winter gardener
tiny birds perch
winter’s naked branches
in feathered foliage
decades in giant’s shadow
yet still young
a side shoot succumbs
contorted
frontyard, old family tree
branch tips flesh out
spring growth from
ancient roots
ridge fall colors rise
amidst live greens of
summer
torchfire bronzed Doug fir
flash flood bent myrtle
trapped in log strewn creek
no twig appeared out of place
cycles of sun energy
build season around season
rings of the tree
tall forested Gualala
redwoods seek the light
and the waving kelp
stars hang behind
solstice lights sway on and off
sequoia limbs
binding dead limbs
dew filled spider webs
taut in the drying sun
crown of white crowned
sparrows
coronates a winter
tree with feathered foliage
spring douglas iris
crouching in low grass
looking up
at its skyreaching namesake
through a hollow snag
the Gualala wind flutes notes
pitched to song sparrows
hands and nose working wood
layered rings of perfumed days
logging in to eternity
redwood limbs
waving to the sea
beckon hugging fog
wrinkled woodturner
speaks of sawdust past
shaved from exotic crotches
chucked
sun warmed niche
seek shade and shiver
goofy, woodsy Gualala
second growth redwoods
sorry I missed your folks
siblings encircle grave
redwood towering
close, newly emerged sapling
it is, no envy
fresh scent of woods
cellulose curls and shavings
unswept shop at dawn
stiff winds in creaking
redwoods
needled sails so tall
riding the ship Gualala
summer colors Gualala
salmon steaks barbecue
fresh sawn redwood rounds
below a brilliant sun
fog needles drip
too early redwood evening
underneath scorching sun
needles drip fog
too early redwood evening
watching the fireplace
years and years of bright
sunshine
rewarming our home
trees stories tall
folding creekside
now bookmatched on the
beach
windshadow pine meadow
needles harbor salt spray
weeping on seedlings
male yellow dust clouds
the air
pine pollen reigns
both sides of the road
cold stiff needles
sown by the fall redwood
wind
stitch the shirt to my back
sunset climbs lightly
to the redwood crown
becoming starlight
well-worn redwood floor
struck by life's mint
indented patina
decades in giant's shadow
a young side shoot
succumbs contorted
cold stiff redwood needles
sown by the fall wind
carpets the forest floor
long, leathery leaves
August season encrusted
and the bone dry roots
straight and narrow with windings
redwood's poison oak wrap
logging armor
balanced and guided forces
divide the seasons
driving nails by feel
redwood towering
close by, newly emerged sapling
they are; no envy
second growth redwoods
sorry to have missed your folks
siblings encircle grave
stacking oak firewood
counting warm cozy evenings
none ever for sure
redwood branch tips
upturned hundreds fold
trees on trees
above haiku by barry semegran
TESTIMONIALS
"Barry Semegran is a master furniture builder of incomparable skill
and vision. Our home is filled with many of his lovely pieces."
-- M. & B. C., The Sea Ranch, CA
"I was out of town when the chest ...was delivered. Your beautiful
chest! I was bowled over by its beauty and craftsmanship...we hope
you might be talked into another commission."
--R. C., Ojai, CA
"Thank you again for your fine craftsmanship. We are very pleased. Enclosed
is your balance due with a little extra for you. ...We will have the opportunity
to show off your fine work, each time someone enters our home.
I'm certain your skills will be in great demand and we would
be very happy to recommend you to anyone."
--C. & B. D., Gualala, CA