Artist Jerome (Jerry) Gauthier, is a self taught, 3rd generation woodworker. Unfortunately, his parents were divorced when Jerry was 5 years old and never got to know his father or grandfather. Now both are gone, but Jerry feels their presence guiding him in his studio.
Jerry grew up in Orange County. In high school he won many awards for water polo and swimming. Jerry made the state finals as well as participated in the Junior Olympics.
After high school, Jerry played drums for several Rock & Roll bands living the band life, (traveling by day, playing at night and living off pork and beans). After 5 years, he decided to get a real job and entered the wild world of retail. Starting from the bottom and working his way up to Assistant Manager of a variety store chain. Jerry then joined a young clothing company called Family Bargain Center. He started as Manager and worked his way up to the director of store planning. Jerry helped this company of 8 stores grow into a chain of over 100 stores through out 5 Western States. After 7 years with Family Bargain Center, he had the opportunity to open his own set of children’s clothing stores. Jerry and his two partners created Kid’s Outlet. After another 7 years of hard work and 9 stores later, Jerry decided it was time to so what he loves best, and that’s working with wood.
Not only is wood Jerry’s passion, but so is surfing (35 years). The ocean has influenced Jerry’s furniture designs using natural woods & traditional joinery in untraditional ways.
Jerry and his wife Catherine have been married 16 years and live in San Diego with their 2 dogs, Eli and Kona. He has also been a member of the Fine Woodworkers Association for 10 years. His accomplishment since starting CJ’s Wood Art:
Awards
3rd Place 2001 Designs In Wood for “Flextime”
2nd Place 2001 Studio City Festival of the Arts
2nd Place 2002 Design in Wood for “Melted Clock”
2nd Place 2005 Design in Wood for “Tori II Clock”
1st Place 2006 Design in Wood for “2006 Clock”
2nd Place 2007 Design in Wood for "2007 Clock"
1st Place Fiesta Hermosa
2nd Place South Coast Fine Art Festival
Finalist 2003 “Niche Magazine” Design Competition
