John Barrow “I am a perfectionist, so I prefer to look for the perfect wood type and take great care with each detail. I want to make something that is different than what you might usually see...." John Barrow was born in London on September 22, 1934. After studying Engineering he traveled to Peru, in 1969, to work at a paper mill. His original contract was for eight weeks, but John ended up staying in Peru permanently. John has always enjoyed woodwork; he learned the craft from his father, who was a carpenter. Carving became one of John's favorite pastimes, a spare-time hobby. "Living in Peru allowed me to get to know a variety of beautiful wood types. When I found time I would carve various furniture pieces," John explains. "When I retired, I was finally able to dedicate myself completely to my passion, carving!” "I love to make all sorts of things. I am a perfectionist, so I prefer to look for the perfect wood type and take great care with each detail. I want to make something that is different than what you might usually see, so I have designed my own machines and tools to help me work wood in a different way. "Once a famous pianist saw some chairs I had made, and fell in love with their design. After buying a piano, he bought my chairs and asked me to paint them black, to match his piano. Honestly, painting those chairs was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do for a customer, because I love the natural look of wood."

	Customer Reviews
		The scissors dancer peace was so perfect! It really brings back the excitement of the dance! How engenious to make it from the wonderful varieties of wood that you have chosen! Bravo! - Elizabeth Rehlinger, Canfield, Ohio USA I picked up my "Gossips" sculpture order yesterday. The craftsmanship is beautiful. Thank you, Mr Barrow. You are a true artist. Art - Arthur I love my cheery "Tree of Life"... it sits on my desk at work and makes me smile. - Michael, Shrewsbury MA USA I received the patchwork cat today and it is even more beautiful than the pictures showed. The colors are very vibrant and the individual pieces so smooth. It's definitely a favorite! - Susan, Sparks, Nevada, USA I JUST RECEIVED MY ISHPINGO ' GRAND ELEPHANT". I AM SO HAPPY WITH THIS PURCHASE. THE WORKMANSHIP AND COLORS ON THE ELEPHANT ARE FANTASTIC. ELEPHANTS ARE GOOD LUCK AND THIS ONE REALLY MAKES A STATEMENT. MY PACKAGE ARRIVED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION ( AS ALL MY ITEMS PURCHASED FROM NOVICA ) THANK YOU MR. BARROW FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART THRU NOVICA. ROCHELLE K. NEW JERSEY OCT. 2011 - Rochelle John Barrow's Nativity Set is exquisite! I have been collecting nativity sets for almost 50 years, and it was instantly my favorite. Thank you, John, and Merry, Merry Christmas. - Gwen John, I would like to add figures to the nativity set that suggest 1. a shepherd or local people and 2. herd animals, the llamas instead of sheep, for example. But I can't gauge scale. There is a shepherd holding a llama, but he appears to be too tall for the original group. The two llamas look fine, from here. 3. I think the bird and the bull fighting are the wrong theme, but is that bull in scale for the nativity scene? The sitting bull would be better, but he looks too large Also, what would you suggest to give the impression of an 4. angel, and if I were to choose a 5. tree, which one would you recommend. As you can tell, I moved right in to your wonderful vignette! Happy holidays. Gwen - Gwen We gave your Tree of Life sculpture to a friend who is very fond of this symbol, and he simply could not take his eyes off of it! In fact, he is so impressed that he has given its image and a description of it (with artist attribution, of course) a place of honor in a quarterly newsletter he publishes. You have not only given our friend much happiness in owning this work, but also we have the delight of knowing we found the perfect gift for him. Thank you! - Denise Thank you. We received the Male Swan which is a beautiful and exquisite creation that we will treasure. John & Mavis Windibank - John I just received the Majestic Tiger. WOW! It far exceeded my expectations. John is truely a first class artist. What pride he takes in his work. Thank you for a piece I will treasure the rest of my life. - Brenda Dear Mr.Barrow,this is Alfred Webb from the BIG city of Wetumpka,Alabama U.S.A. I have already received today,the exquisite Tree of Life and The Heart Trio and they are simply MAGNIFICENT ! I am currently awaiting your third piece of art,The Andes Butterfly which I am in great anticipation over.One day,you will leave this world a beautiful legacy of art to remember you by,may THE LORD continue to bless you in all that you do for HIS greater Glory,sincerely Alfred Webb. - alfred Received The Woman and the Condor. Absolutely perfect. This is my second piece from John. He is a true artist, that is indeed a perfectionist of great talent. Thank you John for making so many people happy with you talent. - Brenda I really love your work! The colors and shapes are fabulous. Thank you for creating such beautiful pieces for all to enjoy. - Christina, Seattle, Washington Dear Mr. Barrow, The llama with the shepardess is lovely, so elegantly crafted. & thank you too for the unique postcard!. Aloha, Marcia Berkowitz Maui Hwaii - Marcia