|
Click on any image to see a larger version.
|
|
Spalted Maple from North Carolina with Walnut from Michigan
|
As a young boy I was fortunate to have a great father that always involved me in his work. One of the constant tasks was working with wood around the house. In the summer for two weeks I would go to Indiana to my grandparents farm. My grandfather was an 80 something year old craftsman that had an extensive shop. Henry would build cabinets, tables, and other projects for neighbors. I did not get to use many of the machines, being too young (in the area of 12 years old), but it sure was great to watch him work and be exposed to this wonderful craft.
In college I was an art major and any woodworking was done on my own. While student teaching at a Junior High School, a wood instructor job opened up at the end of the semester. The principal asked me to interview because of my rapport with students and my knowledge of woodworking. I got the job and my serious woodworking career began for the next 24 years. As an instructor I had 6 wood lathes in my shop and it was imperative to give myself a crash course on operation and safety. I did this in the summer before the start of my first year. I really fell in love with the lathe that summer.
In addition to teaching, I also studied for and received a contractor's license. I did contract work and built 4 homes, one being my own. I later got a Masters in Counseling because I knew a Vocational Counselor position was opening up. I took that job and did it for 6 more years. This let me continue in my passion for the skilled trades.
One thing I would like to say is that I believe my art education was a great asset to my woodturning. The two go hand in hand. Design work, knowledge of proportions and the ability to make good judgments on what blends together become invaluable in turning.
|
Spalted Maple Platter, 13" diameter.
The wood is from North Carolina
|
|
Turned Walnut sphere with carved Basswood flower, the base
is from the Walnut bark of a burl. All the wood is from Michigan
|
|
|
Box Elder bowl from Michigan. 14" diameter
|
|
|
Walnut low platter from Michigan. 17" diameter
|
|
Worm Chestnut containers with Ebony inserts on the lids.
These were from barn wood beams over 200 years old. The wood
was given to me very graciously from the Barn Wood Builders
in West Virginia. They are on DYI network
|
|
Walnut from Michigan. This is first in a series that I have
incorporated Brass and Turquoise fill
|
|
14" diameter Oak platter from Michigan with
Brass inlayed rounds of various diameters
|
|
Live edge Michigan Walnut bowl, 10" diameter with Brass brand
around base
|
|
|
Beautiful grained Walnut shallow bowl from Michigan
|
|
Covered Michigan Walnut box with Turquoise inlay.
Handle on lid is Ebony
|
|
Tea Pot made of Michigan Oak with Ebony on lid and handle.
Live edge on lid and shaped Brass for spout and handle connections
|
|
Oak live edge vase with pickle jar to retain water
and collar of Ebonized Oak.
|
The 3 bowls below were made from a Redwood Burl that was purchased in Northern California. Notice the beautiful Birdseye.
Return to
The Highland Woodturner
front page
|
