“If a wood crafter is defined by the results of his work, then a beautifully finished bowl reflects much credit on the crafter and represents a lifetime of achievement.”

Growing up in a family that produced a livelihood from the land and forest, I learned through association, but I am mainly a self-taught wood crafter. My introduction to wood crafting came at time when a pocket knife was an essential tool, and in a culture that required effective hand
tools. At age nine I bought my first carving tool, a single bladed “Case” Barlow knife. With it, I fashioned dry sticks and saplings into wooden blades that made good letter-openers. In the years since then, I have used all the common tools and acquired some specialized ones. But tools will not do the work by themselves. Over time, I have also acquired a reverence for wood.

I enjoy harvesting wood that would otherwise go to rot and waste. Wood can be kiln-dried or must air dry for months to be stable enough to work. Depending on the thickness, it can take years to fully cure. I examine each piece carefully to determine how it can be used for construction or carving. The primary consideration is grain. Knots, burl and scars have a dramatic effect on appearance. One thing about wood is that you never know what kind of beauty lies within; whether it is going to be straight grain directed by natural growth, the swirl of burl, or an insect-created cavity that can be filled with semi-precious gemstones such as turquoise. With spalded wood, the element of colors sometimes creates an internal rainbow that ranges from pastels to rich indigos, accented by dramatic lines.

My favorite bowls are functional. Call them bread bowls, biscuit bowls, dough bowls, or kneading bowls, depending on your cultural interpretation. They are traditional and reminiscent of bygone years. Disciple and skilled tool craft is required to bring these bowls to life. My wife inspired all my bowls but in particular the “art bowl”. This style is typified by an ascetic appeal more than a functional appeal. The same level of craftsmanship is necessary to make one, but the wood is the element that brings life to these bowls. Each one is unique and contemporary.