From Fine Musician to Fine Woodworker, Christian Anderson, Excels at the Arts!
- Lynne Kornecki
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Christian's fireplace surround is constructed of cherry and maple with inlaid work of ebony and more maple on the sides. $4,500...Scroll down to view more of his woodworking.
Tired of the musician lifestyle after performing with the likes of The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony and even on cruise ships, this highly successful trumpeter is now trumpeting a completely different lifestyle -- as a full-time, fine woodworker.
For the past three years, Christian has developed BROKERUD DESIGNS from his Wauconda, IL studio. Fashioning cabinets, tables, small art pieces and even fireplace surrounds, he loves everything about his latest venture. Describing his designs as modern minimalist he captures the natural beauty of the wood by creating balance -- not symmetry -- just like in nature. He revels in the off centeredness of his work that shows off the beauty of the wood.
"If the wood looks good, it does something for you -- it's interesting, different," Christian observes. "The type of wood I use changes per project -- I don't have a favorite -- if I find it interesting, I figure out what to do with it."
He prefers not to sketch before starting a project but lets it evolve as he works with the wood. And, like many artists, Christian is open to "happy accidents". Sometimes if a new project breaks or doesn't quite work, the "fix" is even better than the originally conceived idea. That artistic serendipity can be very useful in improving the finished piece -- something Christian heartily embraces.
Oddly, Christian never engaged in any visual arts while young although he always enjoyed building things and working with tools. Instead, he was completely vested in developing his musical abilities from the age of 14 and then went on to have a successful music performance career. He does still gig a bit, but his focus is now woodworking.
All of his artwork is a "one-of" and he gladly accepts commissions. Prices range from under $150 for his smaller pieces at art shows on up to around $2,000. He says that commissions and custom work are his "bread and butter". He describes his custom clients as downsizers -- usually older -- who prefer one-of-a-kind wood touches for their new homes. Prices are negotiated directly with clients.
"I'm not cheap and I'm not fast, but I'll build you whatever you want out of wood, and it will look really nice when it's done," Christian says. His work IS amazing -- check out the photos below of some of his completed pieces.
Learn more here:
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Phone: 319-230-9271
Entry bench. Figured sapele mahogany with dyed back red oak legs. 48 in long, 18 h, 12 w. $1700
Jewelry cabinet. Spalted hackberry and white oak. 14 w, 20 tall, 8 deep. $850
