Triplets

I recently completed a new piece of work that I am really quite excited about.

It is a set of three weedpots, turned from the same piece of wood on five different axes. At first glance the faces of the weedpots seem to be decorated with random carving, but when they are properly arranged a single circular design can be seen. When the weedpots are rotated, you will find that there are four such designs to look at.

One of the things I really like about 'Triplets I" is the way the surfaces of each weedpot meet at the corners. It makes for some really interesting shapes.

Click the link to see more pictures and learn about my latest piece of sculptural woodturning.


Technorati Tags: woodturning, art, sculpture

Telephone orders

Every summer I get calls from people who have visited my studio during their vacation. They either wished they had bought a particular piece of work, or that they had bought more items to take home as gifts.

This yellow birch bowl is just one example of an item that I have mailed this summer:



I got a lovely notecard from it's new owners in Pennsylvania to tell me that it had arrived safely. It was much admired by all their family and is destined to become a family heirloom. Feedback like that is always so nice to receive, especially for unique pieces like this that I am so fond of myself and really wish I didn't have to sell. I find it reassuring to know that it has gone to a good home.

I currently have an order for a small salad bowl. The lady had seen something she liked in my booth at the craft market, but didn't buy it at the time. Whichever bowl it was, I don't have it any longer, but I do have some roughed out blanks that are ready for finishing, so I will be starting that job next week. When they are finished I will send some pictures by e-mail for her to choose from.

While it is often possible for me to fulfill requests like this, very often truly unique pieces cannot be replicated if they are already sold. So if you do visit my studio and see something you like, do remember that it may not be available for very long. A lot of my work never makes it to the website.

But if you do need to purchase something that isn't on the website, you can call me toll-free on 1-888-428-3794, or email me.

Incidentally, the notecard I got from Pennsylvania was of a watercolor called 'Trumpets of Hope' by artist Andy Smith who donated the work to the American Cancer Society.


Technorati Tags: woodturning, bowl

Why I think my work is Worthwhile

Anita Sharpe writing in the Worthwhile Blog has asked to hear your thoughts on why your work is Worthwhile. Here is my response:

As a woodturner I am helping to keep a traditional craft alive and in the public eye. The ability to be creative is important to me, and in turn it brings a little joy to my customers. I work with a material which is sustainable and which helps to keep the planet alive whilst it is growing.

I believe that small independent businesses are vital to a stable economy. My work is labour intensive, not capital intensive, so less of my income goes to large corporations.

I take pride in being self employed. I do not rely on others to keep me employed. I take pleasure in my successes and responsibility for my failures.

I believe that these things are all worthwhile.

Technorati tags: worthwhile, woodturning, craft, business, environment, economy