Rich in History

Carving a Legacy

After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, John Wilbourn III, was told he would not be able to work again. However God had other plans - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

As John re-examines his life, he began to carve out a career and a reputation that is now worldwide.

Wilbourn was a finish carpentry contractor prior to the car accident in 1999, and worked on a number of affluent homes and high profile businesses in East Tennessee, including the Gettysvue development and Regas Restaurant in Knoxville. He now makes custom-made mantles and doors full time. "I was thrust into it full time as a means of survival," Wilbourn said.

Wilbourn said he re-examined his life while lying in bed recovering from a broken back. He said initially he tried painting from a wheelchair, but even that was too painful. Then, he turned to carving pieces of wood and found that wasn't too strenuous. Then people started requesting his hand-carved pieces, "God gave me opportunities to work," Wilbourn said, adding that his wife, Debbie, and four daughters, were a source of love and encouragement. his oldest daughter, Sarah Stahl, lives in Grosse Point, Mich., daughters Elizabeth McClanahan, Rachel Mobley and Lydia Wilbourn will in Maryville. They all have shown an interest in following in her father's footsteps, primarily in painting and faux painting. 

Today, Wilbourn is not only walking, but working on the requests for his art that comes from all over the world. In addition to custom mantles and doors, he works in a variety of functional art mediums such as hand-carved molding, furniture and architectural finishes. 

"The Lord blessed us with functional art, art that is appreciated and functional" Wilbourn said. "Everybody needs a door."

The doors that Wilbourn creates are more than doors. They are exceptional pieces of art that give a place character. 

His first commissioned piece was the wooden doors carved with poplar trees at the Park Grille Restaurant in Gatlinburg. The restaurant's logo included branches and maple leaves, and Wilbourn chiseled the front and backs for the doors with the same. The project look him three moths. He often carves something of the customer's personality or loves into his work, a hummingbird for one client, a fox for another. 

Locally, his door and mantle work can be seen at Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend. He has also provided his on-of-a-kind pieces for a nature center in California and a bed and breakfast in Maine and in all parts in-between. His work was featured in the 2007 Annual Buyers Guide of Log Home Living and some of his products are available through MossCreek, a Knoxville company that is dedicated to the design of custom log and timber frame homes and developments. 

Prices for Wilbourn's work depends on the desires of the client, but a range would be beginning at $2,000 for one door and $7000 for a set. In order to fulfill the request for custom work, Wilbourn works with a team of artisans (his daughters are among the team), providing on-the-job training in a apprenticeship type environment. His employees learn how to work with the hand tools to carve intricate details. They also learn the art of painting technique to provide the illusion of a marble finish. 

Wilbourn is also interested in passing along his knowledge and techniques to his daughters and apprentices. 

Wilbourn has renovated his home in Rockford, Tennessee to accommodate apartments for apprentices and art students and to showcase his work in a gallery. The gallery features quique windows that each have their own design and tell a story. 

A visit to the Wilbourn's home is an opportunity to see his work in its beauty and functional state. Architectural elements incude a marble and slate floor with an inlaid fleur de lis design that matches the Gothic window. In the entry way, a gentle concrete and marble fountain greets visitors. The fireplace features a European hand-carved mantle with a coat of arms. Staircases, fireplaces and archways all showcase Wilbourn's artistry. Throughout the home are bible verses, as a constant reminder of God's Glory and love for his children, hand carved in plaques with stunning brass letter, individually cut and polished. 

 Today, John Wilbourn's daughters are continuing the carving legacy.