Ed Downey

The turning, carving, construction, and manipulation of wood run in Edward Downey’s blood. His father was a woodworker, Ed is a woodworker, and his sons have dabbled as well. His grandson’s skills, though impressive with a pile of LEGOs, remain to be seen with a pile of wood. We all have high hopes.

Ed Downey grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and raised his family in Chicago, Illinois, and Willmar, Minnesota. He worked as a school psychologist and administrator, earned a doctorate in Education, and finally retired in 2012 to travel the world with his wife, Barb, and to spend more time with his lathe.  

Ed’s work is rooted in the land and his family.  He uses wood from around the world, but his most special pieces often come from the trees closer to home or that held significance to the family. As a self-taught artisan, Ed is constantly striving to improve his craft, learn new techniques, and find surprising ways to thrill the recipients of his artistry.      

Photos by Cale and Aaron Downey.