Sculptures & Vessels

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Unearthing

Many news agencies covered the devastating Laguna Beach fire of 1994. Our city lost more than 350 homes, yet out of the trauma some beauty emerged…

"I returned the day after being evacuated to find 60 homes in my little canyon neighborhood turned to smoldering ash. The dramatic floods that followed the fires washed burnt mud-covered root burls from our bare hillsides. I found this Manzanita burl deposited on my street after the waters had subsided."

"Manzanita wood has an exquisite grain pattern hidden under it's rough knotted exterior. To reveal this beautiful grain was far more difficult than I had imagined. I started by turning the root ball on a lathe. This produced the inner bowl and bottom foot. To create the sensation of flowing movement like a splashing lava flow, the round bowl was carved outward into petal shapes. I cut a small bridge to resemble an arch carved away by the elements and time. The bridge also adds a miniature dimension the same way a bonsai plant does. The sanding of the roughed out form came next and was discouraging. Four times I walked away from the piece challenged and beaten by this woods extreme density. With much physical labor it seemed the sanding was getting nowhere. Not convinced it would ever be finished I repeatedly shelved the project. With the encouragement of other artists and the Sawdust drawing near I finally prevailed by completing the sanding. What a delight it was to finally put the Tung Oil on the smooth surface of the wood and see the color burst forth. The result was worth the work. I have gathered in my wood pile a few more gems like this one. It remains to be seen if I will have the patience and courage to start another."

Quilted Bowl

This bowl combines both classical Greek and modern styles. The honey color Mahogany body is a nice contrast to the satiny Quilted Maple rim. The foot of the bowl is the rare and beautiful wood Flame Maple.

"I place a thin layer of black wood in between each joint for an accent. If you carefully lift the bowl and rotate it in the light you will observe how the wood's grain is illuminated magnificently from different angles. This one is a favorite."

Large Greek Vessel

"This vessel is inspired by ancient Greek pottery. Being a lover simple elegant forms, I seek to draw one's eye to a piece's shape and wood. The dark brown - almost black - wood at the top is Wenge from South America The light wood below it is Birch. A brown band of Black American Walnut rings the vessels widest point. The next three rings are Alder separated by thin black layers of wood. The foot is Black American Walnut. This is quite a large wood vase compared to most I make or see. If you carefully lift the vase you may be surprised by how light it is. The thin walls produce a piece with little weight in contrast to its size. A considerable amount of wood was removed to arrive at this weight. Concentration is key when carving a bowl this large on the lathe. The spinning wood can catch against the stationary cutting tool blade exploding the wood across the wood shop. In these cases many days or weeks work are lost. In other words -- large vessels like this can be nerve racking."

Classic Modern

This piece combines both classical Greek and modern styles.

"I have always been attracted to vertical lines used as a design element. Everything from architecture to clothing all incorporate lines adding elegance to the structure's natural shape. This vessel is the first in a series that will incorporates contrasting vertical lines."

The Wood

Quilted Maple is the satiny wood on the top rim of the vessel. It is thrilling to apply the Tung Oil finish to this wood and watch the light reflected deep in the grain. The dark brown wood below the rim is Black American Walnut with Maple stripes. The foot is made of Flame Maple.

"I place a thin layer of black wood in between each joint for an accent. If you lift the bowl and rotate it in the light you will observe how the wood's grain is illuminated magnificently from different angles. This is one of my favorites."

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