Wood has been a part of my life from birth. My father worked as a millwright at a sawmill. I also worked in the lumber industry during summers and in my early adult life. I noticed some differences in the lumber that came though the mill. However, it was much later before I ever became aware of just how much beauty could be hidden in a piece of scrap wood destined for the fire place or a landfill.
I became interested in turning wood as an art form in 2003. Since then I have sought to improve my skills. I studied the pieces made by the both current and past masters. Edward Bulwer-Lytton stated 'In life, as in art, the beautiful moves in curves'. A form that consists of a gentle and contiguous curve is a common thread from the works of the greatest artists. Woodturning and most all art mediums have emulated these forms from nature itself. An apple, pear, pinecone or a river rock rounded by years of rushing water are examples. I always start a turning with a form in mind that the world accepts as pleasing and beautiful throughout eternity.
Emily Dickerson states, 'Beauty is not caused, it is'. I realize that I can not make a piece of art, beautiful, whatever form I chose. It must already exist in the wood that I am working. You cannot look at the bark and have any idea of the inner character of the piece of wood, just as you cannot look at the face of someone and determine his or her character. It is a great satisfaction to begin to turn a piece of wood and with each step to see the changing grain patterns, color and figures as they reveal themselves. Saint Augustine said, 'Beauty is a gift of God'. It is my intended task to try to reveal and preserve that beauty.
Though many art forums depict the same
type of forms and shapes, the wood itself begs to be held. The
painting on the canvas is for eyes. Although the works of art in
stone and metal are beautiful, yet they are cold and heavy. However,
a piece made from wood yearns to be fondled and caressed. It is warm
and inviting to be held.
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