Steve Holmes learned woodworking skills in high school. He really enjoyed shop classes, which allowed him to make things and to be creative.
After college, he lived in NYC and worked on Wall Street. Four years later, he moved back to Connecticut and became an antiques dealer, focusing on mid-to-late 19th century furniture. He would often have to restore pieces, and as a result, bought a used wood lathe in 1991 (it happened to be the same model he used in high school).
He would turn on occasion to restore furniture, and loved the antiques business. About 4 years into the antiques business, he met his future wife Mary Crean. After they married in 1995, he went back to UConn for his MBA degree and started a career in banking. The lathe sat in his basement for almost 20 years as Mary and Steve focused on work and raising two boys.
Living in Easton, Steve has always had ample access to firewood. In 2014, he brushed off the old lathe and started turning again. He made small simple bowls at first, and would give bowls away to friends and family, but the bowls and other turnings began to accumulate around his house.
In the fall of 2015, Mary signed Steve up for a craft fair. He began doing 6 shows a year – all in Fairfield County. He also sells out of Greiser’s Market in Easton, however, the majority of his sales are still by referral from family, friends and colleagues who call him looking for something for themselves or for weddings and other special occasions.
The majority of his pieces are made from local hardwoods; maple, cherry, ash, black walnut, and burls. Although Steve is primarily known for his bowls, he also makes candlesticks, platters and other items.
To view more of Steve’s work or to purchase, please visit Holm-Hansen website at: https://www.holm-hansen-woodturning.com/
Or call Steve at 2033437165. Steve also has pieces available for sale at Greiser’s Market in Easton.
The Cultural Easton 