Woodworker Bruce Rowen finds precision and playfulness in handcrafted items

For woodworker Bruce Rowen, creativity often begins with a handful of hardwoods, a quiet workshop, and an idea that doesn’t fully reveal itself until the final coat of finish dries. His meticulously crafted boxes, lamps and small furnishings, many of which resemble intricate puzzle pieces, can be found at Alamo Gallery and Gifts, where he has been a featured artist for more than a decade.

Rowen has been shaping wood for more than 30 years, though he didn’t begin selling his work until he joined the gallery about 12 years ago. Before that, woodworking was something he did around the house or as a personal hobby, a skill he picked up early while building projects with his father.

“I’ve always been interested in it,” he said. “Once I had a place to work, I picked it up again, and it just grew from there.”

A New Mexico native, Rowen grew up in Los Alamos and later studied electrical engineering at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He moved to the Socorro area more than three decades ago and recently retired from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Woodworking, once a weekend pursuit, now fills more of his time. He gravitates toward smaller pieces that can be completed in a few weekends.

“I like doing the boxes because they’re manageable and don’t require a lot of materials,” he said. “Bigger projects like lamps or benches take a lot more time, so the smaller things let me keep creating without waiting half a year to finish something.”

Rowen’s work stands out at the gallery for its clean lines, contrasting hardwoods and precise joinery. He enjoys experimenting with new techniques and designs, often making one or two pieces to see how visitors respond before deciding whether to create more.

“I’ll make something and stick it in the gallery to see if anybody’s interested,” he said. “If they are, I’ll make a few more or try something different.”

While he occasionally takes on special requests for friends or former coworkers, Rowen generally avoids commissions so he can follow his own creative rhythm. Most inquiries come through the gallery, where staff pass along questions or suggestions from visitors.

Now one month into retirement, Rowen expects he’ll eventually explore new styles or ideas, but for now, he’s content to keep shaping the pieces that have defined his work for years.

“I’m sure I’ll get bored and try something new,” he said with a laugh. “But right now, I’m just enjoying the time to make things.”

Rowen’s woodworking can be viewed and purchased at Alamo Gallery and Gifts in Socorro.