Sam Craig grew up in central Louisiana and graduated with a degree in mathematics from Louisiana Tech.  He began his career in various building trades and cabinetmaking.  After moving to Nashville in 1973, he worked in the entertainment business: technical theatre, film and video, and scenery design.  He opened his own business in the early 90’s, building museum and trade show exhibits, as well as theatre sets.  After retiring in 2003, he moved to the Berkshires, where he continued to freelance in professional theatre.  More recently he began carving in wood.  Some of his wood ware and functional carvings may be purchased in the gift shop at the Becket Arts Center.

Sam has been collecting unusual and beautiful found wood pieces for many years, and he likes to think that his art remains closely tied to nature.  He says of his work,”Some of my pieces are simply abstract enhancements of the natural beauty in wood, in its range of colors and forms.  Others are representational objects or creatures suggested by the shapes provided.  I especially love carving cherry burl, because of its beauty and the variety of its grain patterns.  In all my work I try to express my vision while remaining faithful to and respectful of my medium.”