Return of the Great Pumpkin

This piece was commissioned by a friend in 2008. As I am not one who tries to replicate nature, I did my own interpretation. Yes,  that goes back what I learned during my painting years. The body is maple with a sassafras stem and both have been colored with acrylics. Lots of time spend carving and texturing this piece but it was worth it.

Happy Halloween to all!

Snow already?

I don't think I've ever seen snow on Long Island before Halloween, but here we have it. Not too much, only an inch but it's not even November yet. From what I've been seeing of the squirrels running around like mad this whole month, it looks like it might be another harsh winter. Though I hope not. I did take advantage of the view this morning to take some macro shots of the flowers covered in snow. They made a cold morning just a little bit warmer.

A good first start

   What better way to start than with one of my favorite pieces- the Coral Bowl. I began woodturning in 2004 and as with all turners, had my ups and downs with learning mostly on my own. Well not exactly on my own, I did have the company of a few videos. But there is a world of difference between seeing and doing, the pro’s make it all look easy. Anyhow, I was putting finish on a bowl one time and of course noticed too late that there was a ding on the rim. They never show up until the piece is removed from the lathe. After some thought, I decided to texture the entire rim, using my trusty Dremel. From there, one part of my style was born. Just like Bob Ross used to say, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents. 

   As time passed, the texture spread to the entire surface as well as go deeper. I also started to miss using using the colors I had used in my days of painting. This piece was the first combination of my woodturning, with my painting. It is a bowl of spalted maple with washes of oil paint on the texture. The buffed and oiled interior contrasts nicely with the rougher and colorful exterior, I always strive to include contrast in my works. It has been featured in a number of magazines and was one of my first true introductions into the woodturning community. I am very happy it is part of the collection of Mr. Chris Kuehn.