The Wooden Bowl
Whether we use them as functional objects, decorative items, or admire them as works of art, the wooden bowl is a vessel that offers us so much more than its’ contents - if indeed there is anything contained at all.
The Form
With every vessel I make I always leave room for the wood to have its’ say and often I enter into the process with no plan at all, happy to be lead by the material and the process.
Woodturning can be meditative at times, and a source of frustration at others, but any time at the lathe is time well spent. Whether there is a product to show at the end or merely lessons learned, it is all of value.
The Finish
Our introduction to the bowl as an object tends to begin with its’ exterior - the figure, the colour, the lustre and texture.
How I decide to finish the bowl is influenced by many factors. With the ‘Shipwreck’ vessels the intent is usually there from the outset, but this may change when I am able to take in the form in its’ entirety. Perhaps a simple oil finish will suit the piece better, or maybe the piece needs no finish at all and is able to speak for itself in a clear voice without amplification.
This piece occupies a liminal space - beauty on the edge of destruction. Where there is a contrast between its smooth exterior and heavily eroded interior, there is also balance in its broken form.
Unknown spalted wood, sanded exterior, sand-blasted interior.
Diameter -
Height -
Inspired by coastal debris, textured with real rust and verdigris; these ‘Shipwreck’ vessels are made from materials which were the backbone of historical ship-building - Oak and Iron. Whilst the exterior has been intentionally made to appear as ancient flotsam and jetsam, the interior reveals the natural beauty of the stalwart Oak. This particular piece spent its second life as a barn, and now as this wonderful vessel.
Diameter -120mm
Height - 100mm
The only survivor from a set of three found logs of un-confirmed, but suspected, Field Maple. This piece has a natural edge and beautiful spalting throughout. Its two other companions were unfortunately too rotten to be turned successfully.