Some of the most magnificent works, truly artistic in every sense, are created by turning woods of various colors and types. This work is commonly known as artistic woodturning. Woodturning is a process of making, building, or carving something out of wood by the use of a lathe. Artistic woodturning is likened to the evolution of man in a sense that a plain simple wood can be transformed into an amazing, breath-taking sight of beauty. Woodturning artists commonly create bowls, vases and sculptures as their art work, adding intricate details showing off their personal touch which enhances the beauty and uniqueness of the product.
Woodturning as a Hobby
Woodturning has become more and more popular nowadays because this hobby is great fun - it can even become an addiction. While most woodturners have a passion for working with timber of various kinds, this hobby also gives them the opportunity to create things they can use in their everyday lives. And another great advantage of knowing the art of woodturning is being able to create personalized gifts for our loved ones during special occasions. This is a much more effective way of showing love and sincerity than purchasing ready-made gifts at the local store.
Where to Search for Wood?
As mentioned earlier, most woodturners simply have this undeniable love for wood and they have this tendency to search for the most unusual piece of wood, exotic or home grown. They examine every piece critically before using it.
Recognizing and exposing the hidden features that will amplify the beauty of the final piece is simply a source of happiness for them, but damaging a hidden feature during preliminaries, or while turning, can absolutely be disappointing and even heartbreaking. However, many woodturners just want extremely plain, well-seasoned timber, which contains no obvious features or imperfections.
They find this particular type of material very predictable, and it allows them to create and produce flawless and stable products. Generally, no matter what type of material they use, they still find turning really enjoyable whether it be for forming quite simple yet wonderfully flowing artistic shapes or for extra challenging works.
This gives their work more versatility and a wider license to delve into new techniques and ideas. The conception of new ideas, designs, as well as other techniques oftentimes end up being developed from timber that first caused disappointment due to imperfections and flaws. Obtaining perfection in the finished wooded product is quite possible once you have developed the necessary skills. Those who truly have a passion for this art continually strive for perfection, while still enjoying each step along the way.
Respecting the Trees
The respect artistic woodturners have for the beauty, power and contribution trees make to our planet, drive their dedication to bringing the importance and beauty of wood alive in an artistic way. Usually, different themes influence their artwork. Most of them are inspired by the designs of great cultures of the past; Egyptian, Pueblo and oriental, and by the complexity of the human race which produced these cultures.
They support the conservation and the preservation of all nature's materials which led most of them in recycling materials, like trees downed by hurricanes, termite damage and etc., to build products that will last a lifetime. A lot of their art works combine the incredibly varied shapes of nature and mathematical curves which result in the creation of a timeless beauty.
Wood Turners Club
With the seemingly unstoppable boom of woodturning, there are a lot of clubs and organizations which unite all wood turners around the globe. These clubs and organizations allow them to share their works and ideas with one another and often encourage other people to join them in this enjoyable hobby.
Displaying Wood Works of Art in Galleries
Professional woodturners often have their own galleries or websites which showcase all their art works and thus the dedication they have for their passion. Each piece on display is unique, a statement of their commitment to simplicity of design, good craftsmanship and respect for this extraordinary material which is timber.
Man and Wood
The variety, warmth and beauty of timber are unparalleled. Man is often in conflict with nature, but when man and nature collaborate wonderful and amazing things can be achieved. The work of artistic woodturning experts extends from simple forms, where the wood speaks for itself, to complex creations, combining various types of timber and other materials in simple harmonies.
