About Trained Termites.

Trained Termites Woodworking is the studio name of woodworker and artist Johnna Klukas. Originally from eastern Massachusetts, she currently lives and works in Maine. She holds a BS in computer science and an MSECE in electrical and computer engineering, both from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Johnna is a member of the American Association of Woodturners and the Computer Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

“My work is heavily influenced by my interest in science and my former career as an engineer. The sciences, science fiction and fantasy and ancient history are themes I am particular interested in exploring.”

- Johnna Klukas

In the picture: “Baba Yaga Lays an Egg” (2011, commissioned Tiptree Award trophy). Approximately 15” H x 10” W x 8” D. Maple, birch, walnut, ancient kauri, wenge, acrylic paint, straw. (Note that the Tiptree Award was renamed to the Otherwise Award in 2019.)

2011 - Commission to create the James B. Tiptree Award
2009 - Gallery show, The Art Corner, Salem, MA
2008 - Artist Guest of Honor, Lunacon, Rye, NY

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In the picture: Chicon Hugo base with Hugo Award Rocket (2000, commissioned base). Approximately 14” H (base only) x 8” W x 4” D. White oak, walnut, maple, cherry, silver wire. (“Hugo Award”, the Hugo Award Logo, and the distinctive design of the Hugo Award Rocket are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society.)

2001 - Nomination, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award for Best Three-Dimensional Work of 2000
2001 - Commission, Hugo Award bases for Millennium Philcon, the 59th World Science Fiction Convention
2000 - Recipient, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award for Best Three-Dimensional Work of 1999
2000 - Commission, Hugo Award bases for Chicon, the 58th World Science Fiction Convention

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In the picture: “Where do you get your ideas?” (2016, Arisia program book cover) Approximately 5” H x 3” Diameter. Curly maple, maple burl, dye, metal leaf, metal powder, acrylic texture medium. (Private collection)

2021 - Invited demonstrator, Cascade Woodturners
Secretary, Southern Maine Woodturners (2018)
Vice President, Southern Maine Woodturners (January 2016 - January 2018)
2018 - Invited demonstrator, Eastern Maine Woodturners
2017 - Invited demonstrator, Mt. Washington Valley Woodturners
2017 - Invited demonstrator, Seacoast Woodturners
2016 - Artist Guest of Honor, Arisia, Boston, MA
2012 - Guest lecturer, Maine Woodworkers Association, South Portland, ME

Highlights

In the picture: “Hall of the Mountain King” (2001, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award recipient) Approximately 68” H x 36” W x 10” D. Walnut, maple, maple burl, mahogany, cherry and a small block of red oak that was just the right size. (Collection of the artist)

2006 - Nomination, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award for Best Three-Dimensional Work of 2005
2004 - Nomination, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award for Best Three-Dimensional Work of 2003
2002 - Recipient, Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists Chesley Award for Best Three-Dimensional Work of 2001

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