Peter Sherman

Peter Sherman is a traditional bowl hewer from Natchez, Mississippi, who creates hand-carved wooden bowls using techniques that have changed little over centuries. Known to many as "the wooden bowl guy" at local farmers markets, Sherman has spent years refining a practice rooted in patience, observation, and a deep respect for both the material and the traditions of green woodworking.

Working primarily with locally harvested hardwood from the Natchez area, Sherman begins each bowl with a freshly cut green log. After selecting the wood, he studies its grain and natural form before laying out a design that makes the best use of each piece. Every bowl is carved entirely by hand using a traditional adze, a woodworking tool that predates modern machinery and requires both physical skill and careful control. As the bowl takes shape, Sherman works with the wood rather than against it, allowing its grain, knots, and natural character to guide the finished form. Once carved, each bowl is dried slowly over the course of several weeks or months, depending on the species of wood. Sherman then sands and scrapes the surface by hand before applying a finish of mineral oil that protects the wood while preserving its natural appearance.

The process is intentionally slow, reflecting a craft built through experience rather than speed. No two bowls are alike. Each carries the distinctive marks of the tree from which it came and the subtle variations that emerge through handwork. Sherman embraces these differences as evidence of the relationship between the maker and their environment. His work is a beautiful example of how skills that emphasize utility, beauty, and longevity remain relevant in the present, transforming locally sourced wood into objects designed for everyday use while honoring the landscapes and knowledge that make them possible. Sherman’s bowls invite people to consider not only the finished object, but also the time, labor, and cultural traditions embedded within it.