Here is my Woodturning!

by Eldon DeHaan
Cottonwood Heights, UT

Note: Click any picture to see a larger version.

I am currently the President of the Utah Association of Woodturners, a member of the Timpanogos Woodturners, and a member of the American Association of Woodturners. I have demonstrated at several local associations, and my work has been exhibited at many local shows and exhibits.

My college education was focused on commercial art and design. I had achieved the technical knowledge to be an artist but I always had a hidden desire to make things and I really loved working with my hands.

I spent a few years in the art and design field but soon realized that it wasn't what I was happy doing. I turned to the furniture design and construction industry hoping to satisfy my fascination with woodworking. I remained there for more than 30 years, engaged in many areas of woodworking. For the most part, my creative desire was satisfied by working in that field, but I had this reoccurring desire to be a maker of things… artistic things.

This longing became a reality after I had retired; a friend and fellow woodworker introduced me to woodturning. I was fascinated with the way he could shape wood while it was spinning on the lathe. Today, woodturning has become the basis of my artistic work. Almost all of my work starts on the lathe; it has become my canvas on which I'm able to color, carve, and embellish. My works are one-of-a-kind pieces, although I may carry forward a central theme for a series of work. I try to convey my "signature" or "voice." I truly feel that my desires have come true and that I have become a maker of artistic woodturnings.

European Influence Wood turned Maple, 2013, framed, 17.5"x17.5"x2"

Imagine Wood turned Poplar, 2014, framed, 24"x24"x2"

Imagine III Wood turned Maple, 2014, framed, 17.5"x17.5"x2"

Imagine IV Wood turned Maple, 2014, framed, 11.5"x11.5x2"

Eye of the Peacock Wood turned Poplar, 2015, framed, 11"x11"x2"

Imagine II Wood turned Maple, 2015, 8"x8"x1.25"

In the corner of my mind Wood turned Poplar, 2015, 6"x6"x1.25"

Jurassic Seed Pods Maple, Poplar, Filbert, lathe turned, carved and embellished then colored with acrylic paint, 1"x11"x9"

Roots Russian Olive Burl, 8"x8"x5"

Back together again Maple, Birch, lathe turned using lost wood process, colored with oxidizing paint and patina, 14"x12"x9"

Spider Vase Poplar, lathe turned, carved and embellished, colored with dye, 19"x19"x26"

Elephant Vessel Maple, lathe turned, separated, reattached, colored with acrylic and gilders paste.

---

Submit your own woodturnings or woodturning shop to this column! Simply SEND US PHOTOS of your woodturning projects or shop along with captions and a brief history and description of your woodturning. (Email photos at 800x600 resolution.) Receive a $50 store credit if we show your turning in a future issue!

Return to The Highland Woodturner front page