By Patricia Schallert –
Carlos Bacelar, a 72-year-old woodworker originally from Cuba, has built a woodworking shop in Ventura where he creates exquisite pieces ranging from kayaks and charcuterie boards to wine holders, stools, cabinets and furniture.
His passion for woodworking began in childhood. He and his brother were once gifted a jigsaw by their mother, who insisted they both learn a trade. Encouraged to start small, they began making little items. That early foundation launched two careers: today, Carlos crafts nontraditional furniture, kayaks and other wooden creations, while his brother makes custom violins, cellos and violas for symphony orchestras. Neither had formal training.
Carlos continued to refine his skills after immigrating to the United States in 1966. “Upon arriving in the U.S., I found myself without access to any wood,” he said. “It wasn’t until I met my wife that I rediscovered my love for woodworking. Her father owned a lumber yard, and with his support, I was able to once again indulge my passion. Thanks to him, I had access to the materials I needed to reignite my love for woodworking.”
Invited into his father-in-law’s shop, Carlos began experimenting with small projects, making furniture and barstools that he eventually sold. Later, he entered the construction business, which was more profitable, and worked as a general contractor after moving from New York to California. Yet woodworking remained a constant — whether in his garage or a backyard shop.
After retiring from construction, Carlos turned his attention to building wooden kayaks—durable enough for the ocean but elegant for calm harbor waters. He later relocated from Agua Dulce to Ventura County, bringing with him an extensive collection of woodworking machinery and tools. Not ready to give them up, he opened his Ventura shop, where he now crafts vanities, kitchen cabinets, wall units, cutting boards and custom furniture, though he spends less time on kayaks.
His shop, complete with a showroom open to the public, has become a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates fine woodworking. Visitors are often struck by the beauty and craftsmanship of his work.
“I would be lost without wood,” Carlos said. “Coming to the shop every day brings me peace of mind and gives me a way to express myself through my work.”
Carlos welcomes volunteers who share his passion for woodworking and are seeking a creative outlet. He can be reached at Bacelarwoodworks.com, Bacelarwoodworks@gmail.com or 732-672-8836. His shop is located at 2300 Knoll Drive, Unit K, Ventura.
