Two Tides Wood Design makes its mark on Folly Beach with custom signs, wood art, monuments, charcuterie boards,x and more
by Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
Local carpenter Stephen Myers only began creating art with wood three-and-a-half years ago. Before focusing on this hobby, Meyers worked as a graphic designer for 15 years. He was first inspired to pick the hobby up by his brother Chuck, who is a master carpenter.
Chuck gifted Myers a huge table covered with an old world map. Myers took interest in the operations of the CNC machine that was used to create his new cool table.
A computer numerical control (CNC) machine can be challenging to master but it is possible. A CNC machine uses a manufacturing method that automated the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software embedded inside the tools.
Following his technical design process, Myers enjoys utilizing spray paint and air brush paint to bring color to his wooden works of art.
“Seventy-five percent of my doing it is just because it’s so much fun,” says Myers, who recently donated a custom Jimmy Buffett tribute piece to the Folly Angels, a local charity helping those in need on Folly Beach.
Myers enjoys vending at Folly festivals such as Taste of Folly and Sea and Sand. His art subjects range from musicians like Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Wu-Tang Clan, and Aretha Franklin to Phish, Ice Cube, and Sturgill Simpson. Myers and his wife, Patricia, are both avid supporters of live music. “My wife… she loves going to shows. She could go to shows everyday and be happy,” he explained.
Myers favorite piece is a custom work he created for his wife that’s a tribute to her favorite band, the Drive-By Truckers, featuring the artwork of the late-great Americana culture artist Wes Freed, who has designed most of the band’s cover art for the last two decades. Before passing, Freed also designed the album cover for local band The Travelin’ Kine’s latest release
Myers has also created wooden works of art inspired by his favorite musical group, The Avett Brothers, whom he named his son Avett after.
“I like creating,” Myers says. “At first, I was doing it for somebody else, but now it feels more like I’m doing it for me.”
The name of the business came from the two distinct and often dramatic tidal cycles we have on the coast in South Carolina.
“We love South Carolina, especially Folly Beach having two tides per day,” says Myers, who’s from the Gulf Coast in Florida where there’s one small tide daily. “I love low tides and my wife loves looking for sharks teeth.”
Myers has created several signs for Folly Beach Family Dentistry, Beachside Boutique Inn, Folly Beach Medi Spa, and more. Myers has created his largest piece to date, a sign for Folly Beach Moped Rental. He has carved several local beach house signs on the island and hopes to further dive into that market.
Meyers donated a piece of his art to The Folly Beach Wahine Classic that now hangs in City Hall. He also donated his art to the local Warrior Surf Foundation office on Folly Beach.
To inquire about a custom piece from Two Tides, feel free to message artist Stephen Myers here on his business’ Facebook page, Two Tides Wood Design.
