MEET JONATHAN

Jonathan Bancroft Colon is a renowned woodworker, artist, and teacher, known for his mastery of ancient tools and techniques to craft breathtaking wooden sculptures and custom furniture that reveals the unique and true nature of every tree he works with.

Having studied at UMASS Boston and at SACI Florence Italy, Jonathan has spent the last two decades creating works of wooden art in methods that are as meditative as they are rare, and teaching students of all ages and skill levels the elements of handcrafted woodworking.

Jonathan is a lifelong Lancastrian and lives in the city with his wife and son.

I practice the spiritual art of woodworking. It’s a form of woodworking that embraces the earth, human energy, and ancient skills. Using hand tools, my approach to woodworking is one that communes with the woods and trees that live with me in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There is a sacred aspect to the work that I do, with a transformation process that is both mystical and magical.  

The world is sacred and all that is in the world is sacred. Trees are sacred. When I put intention into a tree, I transform it and give it a second life. I work with the soul of a tree. All the techniques I use in my woodworking are ancient. They are timeless. Whenever I make something, I intend for it to live past my life. I intend to provide something for a family or community that can receive their joy and pain. An art work to help them celebrate and to help them mourn.  A co-created object to help them weep and to help them sing.