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I started turning wood rather late in life. My brother gave me his old lathe and five turning tools when I was 67 and it has been a love affair ever since. There has been little that has kept my interest alive and growing in my, now, 72 years. Most self-taught wood turners spend 12 to 15 years teaching themselves their craft, doing, reading and trying. I do not have that kind of time, therefore, I am taking a shortcut by going to symposiums, workshops and buying the time of some of the world-class wood turners to show me how to avoid the mistakes it took them time to overcome. It is working.
I like the exotic woods of the world, but have recently settled on the native woods of America's northwest. Maple and myrtle burl being my favorites, using the most simple of finishes. Mineral oil, beeswax and lemon oil, primarily and occasionally some of the finishing oils. Since I like to turn utilitarian pieces the organic finishes dominate my work. Mineral oil has a paraffin base and leaves a satin sheen as does the beeswax and lemon oil.
My bowls can be used at the table washed in warm detergent water and hand dried, never, never, put in the dishwasher. The original luster can be restored with any of the oils or waxes sold for wooden bowls and cutting boards.
If my work, due to natural extrusions, can be seen through, it is not used for morning cereal. It is called art. |
