Go Artist Go: Carving Out an Online Presence for Steve Noggle's Woodworking
At Go Artist Go, we understand that for artists, their craft is deeply personal, often a journey of transformation from raw material to finished masterpiece. This is profoundly true for Steve Noggle, a master woodturner whose hands sculpt pieces of nature into objects of breathtaking beauty. We were honored to partner with Steve to bring his incredible work online, especially since he previously had no digital presence, creating a vital platform for his unique artistry.
Steve's process is a testament to patience and skill. He describes his work: "Every wood piece is carved on a spinning lathe – turned from a chunk of wet, green wood into a bowl or vessel that is satin to the touch and pleasing to the eye. The work starts with a log, often one salvaged from tree cutting operations. With a chain saw a chunk is cut from one end of the log, which is then mounted and rough-turned on the lathe using a long-handled tool called a bowl gouge. These rough-turned pieces are oversized to allow for movement as the wood dries. Most pieces are dried for several months before they are returned to the lathe and 're-turned' into the final shape." He adds, "Each piece is sanded to a fine touch and finished with a hand-rubbed tung oil varnish. Some pieces, such as hollow vessels and natural-edged bowls, are completed in one turning. For these, the subsequent drying process sometime provides additional interest by creating asymmetrical or oval forms. Almost all of my bowls and vessels are turned directly from the solid green log or burl cap. Occasionally, a bowl will be created using kiln dry stock, usually from an exotic wood source."
The Challenge: An Invisible Master Craftsman
For a craftsman as meticulous and talented as Steve Noggle, having no online presence meant his incredible work was largely confined to his physical gallery. Without a website, potential collectors and enthusiasts couldn't discover his unique process, browse his exquisite finished pieces, or learn about his gallery unless they happened to stumble upon it in Asheville, NC. This presented a significant barrier to showcasing his artistry and expanding his market.
Our Solution: Building a Digital Home from the Ground Up
Go Artist Go stepped in to bridge this gap, designing and developing a brand-new website for Steve Noggle. Our goal was to create a digital space that not only displayed his finished bowls and vessels but also conveyed the artistry and dedication behind his woodworking process. We ensured the site was:
Visually Captivating: High-resolution photography was paramount to showcase the intricate grain, perfect form, and inviting finish of each piece, capturing the "satin to the touch and pleasing to the eye" quality.
Narrative-Driven: We integrated elements that subtly guided visitors through Steve's unique process, from the salvaged log to the final hand-rubbed tung oil varnish, giving context and depth to each artwork.
E-commerce Enabled: Crucially, we implemented robust online selling capabilities, allowing Steve to reach a global audience. Collectors from anywhere could now easily browse his collection and purchase pieces directly from his website.
The Impact: From Local Gem to Global Reach
The launch of Steve Noggle's new website proved to be a transformative moment for his business. He can now proudly sell his work online, opening up entirely new revenue streams and dramatically expanding his customer base beyond the local Asheville market. This digital gateway has not only led to increased sales through direct online purchases but has also generated more foot traffic to his gallery in Asheville, NC, as curious visitors discover his work online and are inspired to see the pieces in person.
Steve Noggle's journey from crafting masterpieces in wood to showcasing them on a digital canvas is a testament to the power of a well-designed online presence. Go Artist Go is proud to have helped him connect his traditional craft with modern digital opportunity, ensuring his beautiful work is seen and appreciated by a wider world.