lundi 7 août 2017

Handmade Turned Wooden Vessels Are Unique And Functional Works Of Art

By David Morris


Hand turning wood into bowls, cups, platters, and various other containers is not a new practice. Craftsmen have been doing it for thousands of years. Lathes have been used long before Christ was born to make sturdy and durable holders for drinks and food. Although the methods, equipment, and techniques have evolved through the years, the basic principles endure. Even those who are intimidated by paintings and sculptures, are usually drawn to these seemingly simple handmade turned wooden vessels.

The artists who work with wood use the grain's natural flow to guide their work. Whether the pieces are made to be decorative, functional, or both, each piece the artisan creates is unique from every other. Bowls and cups intended for practical use may have special requirements for cleaning and maintaining. Although many craftsmen have preferences when it comes to wood, most timber is suitable for design.

A lot of artists are attracted to spalted timber when looking for specimens to work with. They especially like the lines and colors created when the fungus attacks the tree. The fungus does not weaken or otherwise compromise the final product. The fungus dies once the level of moisture within the wood is reduced to that found in indoor environments.

Brown oak is created when beefsteak fungus attaches itself to the outside of an oak tree. It feeds on the sapwood and the waste produced seeps back into the tree mixing with the tree's natural tannin. This process creates a deep, rich beautiful brown that craftsmen love to work with.

Timber with burrs is highly sought after by craftsmen. They are drawn to the unique patterns of swirls and whorls created when these abnormal growths are sliced open. No one is ever alike, and many have vivid colors in addition to the expressive patterns. It takes an experienced artisan to work with this type of wood, but the challenge and result are usually worth the extra effort. Collectors are usually interested in these pieces whether the bark is left on the edge or has been removed.

Many people who love to collect hand turned wood pieces believe the natural wood is preferable. There are plenty of artists and collectors who disagree and point to the particular beauty of work that is expertly colored using gesso and acrylics. Airbrushing can give pieces a light and airy look.

Some people collect these pieces for their aesthetic purposes and would never dream of putting salad in a bowl or wine in a cup. Others argue that these items were originally intended for everyday use, and owners should continue in that tradition. The fact is that there is no right or wrong way to use a piece as long as its integrity is respected.

Their closeness to nature may be one of the most appealing aspects of these pieces for collectors. Unlike sculpture, oil and watercolor paintings, or metal design, handcrafted wooden artworks seem accessible to those who might be otherwise be intimidated by art. They are a perfect blend of nature's beauty and man's creativity.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire