Object ID Number: 2016FBDG1

Object Number: 2016FBDG1

Notes: I started woodworking and turning soon after buying a house and setting up a shop to make furniture. About the same time, I discovered "Fine Woodworking" magazine and learned of the work of pioneers like David Ellsworth and was introduced to the field of ornamental turning and its history. It was an exciting time with the rapid evolution of woodturning and the formation of both the Wood Turning Center and the American Association of Woodturners. I made plain vessels from 2x4 lumber, platters from exotic woods purchased from afar, and bowls from locally downed trees -- but could not imagine competing in the dynamic and changing field. One day, I had an idea for a vessel made from thin wood slats that would show form alone. I had no vision of the problems in the making, but as an engineer, solving problems was a rewarding endeavor. After numerous failures, I worked out the methods, submitted photos, and was accepted for the Wood Turning Center’s (The Center for Art in Wood) 1991 Challenge IV exhibit. For many years after that, I have been both challenged and inspired by the Center's exhibitions. The thematic exhibits in particular have resonated with my need to make something that is both new to me and different from the work of others. After retiring from my engineering career, I wanted to continue working on both technical and artistic projects. A demonstration of a simple rose engine by the late, inimitable Gorst Duplessis led to the authoritative books on turning by Holtzapffel. In these, I saw a path to combine my engineering and turning experiences to make a contemporary ornamental turning engine driven by motors, electronics, and computer software. The ornamental turning work has been my focus ever since and I have had several works accepted for exhibition by The Center for Art in Wood. I especially like the fact that I can work with my conventional and ornamental lathes and with computers and software to create new designs.