Following
a career in publishing, Phil completed a Master's Program in
woodworking and discovered a passion in woodturning that remains his
artistic focus in wood. His current work showcases the inherent
qualities and beauty of the wood itself. His pieces are selected from
local hardwoods that he harvests from downed trees and limbs. He
carefully studies each log and reflects on its potential in a turned
piece.
Some pieces are roughed into blanks on the lathe and
left with thick walls which are coated with sealer to prevent cracking during
the 4-6 months of drying time. They are then re-mounted on the lathe and turned
into final form. Other pieces are carved to final form straight from the fresh
logs. After the piece is selected and rough cut into round with a chainsaw or
the bandsaw, the blank is mounted on the lathe and the outside shape is carved,
along with a tenon on the bottom. Then the blank is reversed and the tenon is
gripped by the jaws of the chuck, and the inside of the piece is carved out. The
shape of the inside walls are formed by carefully paralleling the shape of the
outside walls.
Once arriving at its final form, Phil sands the
piece inside and out through a sequence of 8 different grits of sandpaper, up
through at least 600 grit. Most of his pieces have show the natural color and
grain of the wood. The typical finishing process begins by soaking the piece in
natural oils to bring out the natural color and grain of the wood. Phil then
hand applies multiple coats of finish, resulting in a hand-rubbed, natural
appearance. He thinks of the resulting pieces “Inspired Art,” because he has the
great privilege of cooperating with the inherent artistry and creativity of the
Creator in the wood. |
