" I feel most relaxed and connected when I am creating."
- Gary E Stiewing
Rising Sun Woodworks, LLC is owned and operated by local artist, woodworker and builder, Gary E. Stiewing.
Born in Milford, Connecticut, Gary is one of those rare few who knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. He wanted to be a builder. Building forts in the back yard led to a high school business building decks and additions. Gary eventually attended Chester Institute of Technical Education in Stratford, CT to study architectural engineering. While working at a civil engineering firm, Gary soon realized that while he could visualize and design buildings, he felt distant from the creative process and missed having his hands in the work. Soon after the birth of his first child, Gary left the firm and struck out on his own, never looking back.
Forty years later, from wooden boats, suspension, bridge, timber frame and straw bale homes, to his latest endeavors in furniture, Gary has been dedicated to building with spirit – the tree, yours, and his. Recognizing the importance of caring for our earth, he uses locally and ethically sourced raw materials and sustainable building practices. The result is maximizing the inherent beauty of what is already there – the wood, and minimizing our carbon footprint. Win Win!
On this website you will find the culmination of these 40+ years of craftmanship: custom made pieces Gary has created for clients, as well as his own designs. We invite you to wander through the site and let your eyes drink in the treasures he has discovered in each tree. Come back often to see what’s new and leave a comment if you feel called. We’d love to hear from you.
With Spirit,
Gary E Stiewing/Rising Sun Woodworks, LLC