By Les Ong on January 23, 2026
In a spacious workshop on Greg Street in Sparks, Nevada, the rhythmic hum of a wood lathe tells a story of transformation, creativity, and dedication. This is where Gonzalo de la Cruz, owner-operator of Woodturning and Art, LLC, practices his craft, turning raw lumber into functional art pieces that customers cherish for generations.
With nearly three decades of experience as a tattoo artist, Gonzalo brought a unique perspective to woodturning when he discovered the craft about five years ago. His artistic background in drawing and design became the foundation for something entirely new. The business name itself reflects this fusion: Woodturning and Art captures both the technical skill of working with a lathe and the creative vision that transforms each piece.
“I have an art background, so I figured I could do woodturning and art because I can replicate basically what I can draw on paper into wood,” Gonzalo explains. What started as a hobby in his backyard quickly evolved into something more substantial as people began purchasing his creations.
After establishing his business in Southern California and running it successfully for three years, Gonzalo returned to the Sparks area, where he had lived for 12 years previously. The move came about two and a half months ago, and he opened a larger location to accommodate both his growing clientele and his expanding vision for the business.
Woodturning and Art, LLC specializes in creating both functional and decorative pieces that showcase the natural beauty of wood. The product line includes handcrafted wooden bowls finished with food-safe treatments, decorative platters featuring intricate wood-burned designs, elegant salad bowls, and custom cups. Among the most striking creations are hollow forms, delicate vessels with small openings perfect for displaying dried flowers or serving as stunning centerpieces and mantel pieces.
Each piece begins its journey in a way that connects Gonzalo directly to the natural world. Rather than relying solely on purchased materials, he practices local wood harvesting, collecting timber from trees that have been cut down in the area or finding suitable pieces along roadsides. This hands-on approach means he guides each creation through its complete lifecycle, from chainsaw to bandsaw to lathe, culminating in a finished work of art.
“A lot of people don’t see that part of it. They just see the finished product,” Gonzalo notes. While social media videos often compress hours of work into brief time-lapse sequences, the reality involves patience, precision, and deep knowledge of how different woods respond to the turning process.
Gonzalo’s path to mastery involved significant self-teaching, complemented by guidance from experienced mentors. He took an initial class through Rockler in Ontario, California, and later joined a woodturning club where fellow craftspeople shared their knowledge. A week-long course in Utah with renowned woodturner Mike Jackosky provided invaluable insights, but much of Gonzalo’s expertise came through trial and error.
“For the most part, I did do a lot of trial and error. I had to figure things out on my own,” he recalls. This determination to learn, combined with careful observation and practice, helped him develop his distinctive style and technical proficiency.
The learning never stops. Gonzalo actively participates in online woodturning communities, connecting with artisans around the world to share techniques and inspiration. This global network complements his local connections and keeps him current with evolving trends and methods in the craft.
The customer base for Woodturning and Art reflects the timeless appeal of handcrafted items. While younger buyers often seek smaller pieces like wooden flowers and lidded boxes, Gonzalo finds that his core clientele consists of people who truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each creation.
“The majority of my buyers right now are older crowd. They appreciate the work behind it, the craftsmanship,” Gonzalo explains. “It’s stuff that you can give and hold on to for many, many years.” These customers understand that they’re not purchasing mass-produced items but heirloom-quality pieces that carry the mark of individual artistry.
The business maintains both a physical storefront in Sparks and a robust online presence. Through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, Gonzalo has built a following that extends far beyond Nevada. He ships pieces to customers across multiple states, with his furthest delivery reaching Alaska for a long-time client who relocated there.
When asked what sets his business apart from competitors, Gonzalo offers a refreshing perspective. “I don’t really consider it a competitive business for me because we all create differently,” he says. He recognizes that every woodturner brings their own creativity and vision to their work, resulting in unique interpretations even when creating similar forms like bowls.
“It’s almost a business for the liking of some and the dislike of others. But I’m not here to be competitive. I do create what I enjoy and people seek it,” Gonzalo explains. This philosophy allows him to focus on his craft rather than comparing himself to others, letting his work speak for itself.
Gonzalo’s vision for Woodturning and Art extends well beyond creating beautiful objects. Starting in March, he will begin teaching woodturning classes through Truckee Meadows Community College, conducting sessions at his own workshop. This move represents a significant step toward his larger goal of transforming the business into a comprehensive woodworking school.
“I want to see the business grow more. I want to be able to teach and have people come,” Gonzalo shares enthusiastically. His five-year plan includes bringing in other instructors to teach various aspects of woodworking, creating a community hub where people can learn, share, and develop their own skills.
This commitment to education reflects Gonzalo’s belief in passing knowledge forward. He has already participated in teaching opportunities, including a class with students at the Boys Club in Chino, California, where he and a mentor introduced young people from challenging backgrounds to woodworking. “It kind of gives them the opportunity to see that there’s more than what they know,” he reflects on that experience.
For Gonzalo, woodturning represents more than a business, it embodies a personal philosophy of growth and transformation. Nearly five and a half years into his sobriety journey, he has found that the discipline, patience, and creativity required in woodturning align perfectly with his path forward. As he often tells people, he practices “woodturning through sobriety, sobriety through woodturning.”
This integration of craft and personal development infuses every piece he creates with deeper meaning. The focus required at the lathe, the satisfaction of mastering new techniques, and the joy of seeing customers appreciate his work all contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle centered on creation rather than destruction.
Gonzalo’s choice to establish his business in Sparks reflects his deep appreciation for the area. Coming from the fast pace of Southern California, he finds the rhythm of life in Nevada more conducive to both his craft and his wellbeing. “The beautiful skies, the mountains, the snow,” he lists among the area’s attractions. “We’re surrounded by a lot of beauty.”
This connection to the natural environment influences his work directly. The local wood he harvests carries the character of the Nevada landscape, and the changing seasons provide constant inspiration for new designs and forms.
As Gonzalo continues developing his business, now a grandfather with three grown daughters, he remains focused on creating pieces that transcend temporary trends. Each bowl, platter, and hollow form represents hours of careful work, a deep understanding of wood’s properties, and an artist’s eye for form and proportion.
Whether you’re seeking a functional salad bowl for everyday use, a decorative centerpiece that captures attention, or a unique gift that will be treasured for years, Woodturning and Art, LLC offers handcrafted quality that stands apart in our mass-produced world.
Visit Woodturning and Art, LLC at 755 E. Greg St. Unit 24 in Sparks, Nevada, or explore Gonzalo’s creations online through his social media channels. Whether you’re interested in commissioning a custom piece, purchasing from his current collection, or learning the craft yourself through upcoming classes at Truckee Meadows Community College, now is the perfect time to discover the timeless art of woodturning.
Experience the difference that true craftsmanship makes. Each piece tells a story, from the tree it came from to the hands that shaped it. Let Gonzalo create something beautiful for you.
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