Turnings in Wood

For me, turning wood is a most pleasurable experience. Selecting a chunk of wood, studying the run of the grain, speculating about what the finished product should be, and mounting it on the lathe starts the process.  Cutting away the bark, opening the piece and viewing the warmth of the wood, the colors hidden beyond the bark and the swirls and patterns of the grain brings excitement to me.  Should I continue with the plan I had before the wood was mounted on the lathe, or does the wood tell me I should move in another direction?

I began wood turning a decade ago as a hobby, making bowls, plates and small boxes for family and friends.  As is often the case with many craftsmen, as I developed more comfort with turning and was introduced to the work of experienced turners, my interest changed from creating just functional pieces to those that have an intrinsic artistic and aesthetic character.

I spend most of my time now working to create wood art through turning.  I still make bowls, vases and plates, but often seek ways in which they can be turned into contemporary art.  Many of my pieces are turned with thin walls on which I sketch patterns to be pierced and often colored.  Sometimes a piece is carved to enhance its beauty and character.  Inlaying cracks with turquoise, other semi-precious stones, brass and contrasting wood chips is sometimes used to strengthen the attractiveness of a turning.  But, these are still pieces of wood that have the essential warmth and sensuousness found in all finished wood.  Almost any kind of wood can be the subject of one of my turnings.  However, I prefer to work with hardwoods found in Western New York – maple, black walnut, ash, birch, and cherry.  I delight in turnings that reflect the character of the wood.

A while back I began to turn bangles, again for gifts for friends and family.  But, these too, soon were enhanced with the addition of gems, colorful stones, and various inlays.  I also began purchasing imported woods for the bangles because of their unique color and grain.