ASHLEY JOSEPH MARTIN
Philadelphia, PA

B. 1992
2022 FOUNDED STUDIO 
WOODCARVER

Ashley Joseph Martin was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and grew up in rural Pennsylvania where he was surrounded by the woods–camping and enjoying nature. When he was young, his father gave him a pocketknife, igniting his interest in woodcarving. Martin studied the craft as an apprentice for Casey Johnson, the well-known designer and sculptor who works in wood in his Asheville, North Carolina, studio. In the busy studio, Martin learned to work quickly and trust his carving. He was particularly inspired by vintage American, German and Japanese hand carving tools. In 2022, Martin moved to Philadelphia and set up his own studio where he handcrafts wood vessels, lamps and furniture. Using few elements, Martin produces simple, sculptural wood pieces that transform nature into new forms.