Why wood? why woodturning? and is it really art? There always seem to be more questions than answers but Discussing these particular questions will hopefully give you an insight into why Paul turns wood.
Why wood? Have you ever watched how someone holds a beautifully made wooden object? It is more than just a functional or visual thing. The natural warmth of the wood and silky smoothness of the surface always gives pleasure when touched like almost no other material. Many woods have pleasant and characteristic smells that add to the experience (it's a shame the visitors here don't get to touch or smell, you are all missing out!). The variations in colour, patterning, grain, figuring almost make each piece of wood unique before the woodturner creates something new from it. Wood is almost treated with reverence because of its characteristics and probably also because of its ancient association as a source of warmth, food, tools, shelter and even clothing. Why should something that really does "grow on trees" be treated in such a way and valued so highly? Perhaps it is due to the inherent strength and endurance we all associate with a tree. No doubt there are many more reasons, what's yours?
Why woodturning? There is something deeply satisfying in turning any raw material into a finished article. Woodturning lends itself to the production of so many different things, some functional, some decorative and some might even be described as artistic. As a craft, woodturning is neither the easiest or the safest but despite this, aspiring woodturners devote time and effort to learn how to turn. For Paul, it is the wide scope available in both the materials available and the turned wood produced that hold the attraction. It is also the use of a simple and fundamentally ancient machine and tools to turn an ancient material into something desirable, useful or aspirational.
Is it really art? some of it probably is but this one is for you to answer!
The turned items shown on the pages here are a sample of Pauls wood turning. There is a selection of individual turned wooden bowls, vases, goblets etc. some of which are purely decorative and some which are functional. Each one is hand turned and great attention is paid to the form and finish with the aim that each piece is both pleasing to the eye and tactile. Some turned pieces are enhanced with texturing, carving or colour so the permutations open to the woodturner are almost endless.
Not all the turned wood you see here is always available but specific commissions can be produced if required. Contact Paul for more details and to discuss your requirements. The gallery page contains items currently available for sale from stock so if you're looking for something to purchase, that's a good place to start.
Paul uses many different species of timber for turning and the main focus is on artistic or creative woodturning. Wood is the material of choice both for its unique characteristics and properties and because of its seemingly endless variations in appearance and character. Wood is not only the raw material but also the inspiration for many of the pieces produced.
A wide range of different types of wood are used, both locally grown and imported. The imported timbers are obtained through reputable suppliers who use managed sources.
Examples of Pauls woodturning can be seen at the following galleries and shops.
Paul is also a member of the following organisations and exhibits at many of their events and exhibitions.
Dates of exhibitions where some of the turned wooden items can be seen are shown on the events page.
Paul is also available for demonstrations for other turners, talks and tuition.
Demonstrations can be tailored to suit different subjects and audiences.
Contact
me for further details and availability. More information on woodturning can be found at Paul's other
woodturning website at www.hannaby.com
Simply put, woodturning is the use of a lathe to spin a piece of wood to allow it to be cut to a circular shape.
The technique dates back many thousands of years and the wood turning lathe is thought to be one of the oldest machines
invented by man. Ancient woodturning lathes would have been powered by a bow and machines of this type are
still in use in some parts of the world. An alternative drive method was used with the pole lathe where a
flexible branch was used as a spring to store energy and a basic treadle attached by a piece of string to the branch and round the
piece of wood being turned. Again, wood turning lathes of this type are still in use.
However, the majority of woodturners these days use a lathe with an electric motor but which ever method is
used to drive the pieve of wood when turning, the basic principles remain the same.
The tools are hand held by the turner, rather than rigidly mounted and a skilled woodturner can produce flowing curves
and intricate detail by eye and by feel, resulting in something that is unique and functional.
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