Burning and Turning

This twisted box was one I did as a sample for my demo in Prescott earlier this year.  I decided to do some burning on it but I didn't want to do it all over the box.

 This is the design I settled on.  I think it emphasizes the twist.  I've taken to calling this one Kudzu because of the bottom and how the design on the bottom is only connected to the sides and the top in 3 little spots, like kuzdu vines slowly growing over a building.

I also had to find a different place to sign it.  I ended up signing it on the inside of the joint so the signature can only be seen when the box is open.

Tonight I started working on some bowls for next weekend.  I've been invited to demo and sell out at Boyce Thompson Arboretum next weekend.  The wood for these bowls is Visco Acacia and came from BTA earlier this year.  I like to have bowls with a local connection whenever possible.  These are small, only 4-5" diameter.  I have some that are bigger but I don't know if I'll have time to get them done.

Back on the horse

The last time I did any turning was Saturday October 23rd.  I know this because it was the date of my Flagstaff demonstration and I never unpacked my tools.  They were still sitting in a 5 gallon bucket just inside my door when I opened it this morning.

The piece on the right is a multi axis box from my Prescott demo earlier this year.  I spent last weekend doing the burning on the outside inbetween sales at the art tour. 

The piece on the right was from my Flagstaff demo.  It had a problem during the demonstration that prevented me from doing as much as I had planned.  Today I decided to finish turning it and I'm leaning towards sending it back to them to do with as the wish; auction, raffle, or winter heating.

The burning on the first piece was more marketing than anything else.  Prospective clients could see me working on a piece and have a better understanding of the process, particularly with this design as it's all done freehand with almost no planning ahead.

I still have to finish and sign the Flagstaff demo piece.  Some readers may notice the photos are drastically improved.  We upgraded cell phones this week and the new one has adjustable focus and higher resolution.  A vast improvement.

The month from Hell.

Not really Hell, just extremely busy, hence my lack of posts.  Over the course of the last 30 days I've had an art show, a woodturning demonstration, Halloween, a son in the hospital, a poker game, my wife had 3 quilting events, my Mother visited for 3 weeks, and our dog had puppies.  Add on 60+ hour work weeks for the last month and I haven't set foot in my shop for more than 10 minutes total in that time.  

The show I participated in was the Artists of the Superstitions Studio Tour.  I was one of 2 artists that were hosted at the shop of another artists.  All 3 of us are woodturners so I'm somewhat convinced that our individual sales were lower than the would have been had we not been competing against each other.  It turned out not to be a bad event all things considered and I will definitely think about adding it to my calendar for next year.  I only sold 8 pieces total over the 2 days but the average sale price was just over $50, pretty good considering.

Now that this 4 week period is over my lack of shop time should be over too.  I'm hopeful that I can get back to work soon, this is almost certainly the longest period I've gone without turning in the last several years and I'm itching to get back to it.