Waynesville, NC

Journel Thomas

Native to Appalachia, Journel was born into a family that valued hard work, self-sufficiency and hand skills. Both his father and grandfather made tools and furniture for personal use and sale.

Native to Appalachia, Journel was born into a family that valued hard work, self-sufficiency and hand skills. Both his father and grandfather made tools and furniture for personal use and sale. After many years as a skilled carpenter and contractor, in the 1980’s he turned an enduring interest in woodworking into a second trade. A self-taught and enthusiastic woodturner, he specializes in salad bowls made from woods native to the southern mountains, which he refers to as “Appalachian exotics.” He then embellishes his work with unique, hand-carved designs.