"We create nothing, express nothing; we only discover or uncover what is already there" (meditation).
Much of the art in turning a bowl is being able to see inside the wood. To look at the outside of a branch or log and be able to predict the pattern or grain that lies within. Many wood-turners will never see the outside of the tree their bowl comes from, they will only see a round blank delivered from a sawmill, dried and prepared for a predictable cut.
Most of my wood was collected and cut by myself and after sorting through several tonnes of firewood only a small pile of the finest choice cuts would remain suitable as a blank for a possible bowl, nearly all my bowls are turned green - whilst the wood still has a high moisture content, often just days after being cut from the tree.
This method of turning is much less predictable, bowls will twist, split and warp and this unpredictability is what often makes them so fascinating and stand out from bowls turned from seasoned wood.
Not only does the effect of a bowl that has warped or turned oval offer visually stunning characteristics but the varying levels of hardness between the layers of wood allow you to feel the grain as well as see it.
This method of turning is much less predictable, bowls will twist, split and warp and this unpredictability is what often makes them so fascinating and stand out from bowls turned from seasoned wood.Not only does the effect of a bowl that has warped or turned oval offer visually stunning characteristics but the varying levels of hardness between the layers of wood allow you to feel the grain as well as see it.
Most of my bowls are intended for daily use with many being suitable for hot or cold foods and liquids. Wood can often make the safest food vessel for children as many contain natural antiseptics, Sycamore is a prime example and was the wood of choice for all English kitchens and butchers blocks until it's gradual decline to modern materials.
Sycamore & Ash feature heavily in my bowls suitable for daily use although I will attempt almost any wood I can find with fruit woods being the most highly prized.
Logs from as little as 4-6" can be used to create a beautiful bowl that make a unique gift or piece for the home. I am happy to produce bowls, plates or platters of any size and am happy to attempt them with almost any wood the customer may request or provide. I always have a selection of items available, something suitable for any type of use, price range or taste.
