Terry Hill, a fourth-generation Montanan, spent 29 years as a game warden for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks before retiring in 2007. Come 2009, Terry discovered his love for segmented woodturning through a course taught by Rich Charlson, a previous MCAM honoree, who he studied under for six months. Today, Terry channels his passion for Montana’s natural beauty and wildlife through his stunning segmented woodturning, specializing in designs that depict natural scenes, wildlife, ranching, and farming,
In high school, Terry recalls taking an exam that revealed his aptitude for abstract thinking, a skill essential to designing and producing complicated designs during the segmented turning process. The process includes meticulously gluing pieces of wood—yellowheart, walnut, maple, wenge, bubinga, purpleheart, bloodwood—into intricate patterns before woodturning on a lathe. Working alongside his closest collaborator (and son) Ben, he transforms these designs into ornate bowls, vases, platters, and open segments pieces. Some of Terry’s works have included upwards of 11,000 pieces, such as his 16″ by 11.5″ vase, “Thunder.”
Terry’s project ideas will wake him in the middle of the night or the wood itself will speak to him; while turning, Terry seeks to accentuate what “God has already given us.” He starts with an idea but remains adaptable, knowing that those plans may change if the wood “needs something else.” This intuition and mastery has won the Terrys numerous awards, such as “Best of Show” in various categories at the 2013 and 2014 Montana State Fair, and the “Artist Choice Award” at the 2012 and 2013 Shadows of the Past Art Auction, a fundraiser for the Teton Medical Center in Choteau, Montana. Further, Terry’s work has been published in the Treasure State Lifestyles.
Terry’s artistic legacy transcends his craftsmanship. Terry has donated his works to numerous charities and auctions, including those for families burdened by extreme medical costs, to be auctioned for medical bill assistance. Also a general stick-building wood craftsman, Terry also makes and donates gun cabinets, china cabinets, poker tables, and other items which he has donated to local conservation groups, including Pheasants Forever, the Turkey Federation, and the Safari Club.
Terry is also generous with his time; Charles Sampedro, the President of the Great Falls Woodturning Club, describes Terry not only as an esteemed member of the club but as a mentor and friend to all members. Terry shared that his shop is open to anyone who wants to learn turning techniques, and according to Sampedro, community members consistently rely on his skills while learning the art of woodturning.