Just returned home from my first AAW Symposium. We had some other commitments this weekend so I didn't think I would get a chance to go. Turns out my wife suggested that we just drive down for the day, about a 6 hour trip each way, so we drove down last night. Just spent the day walking around the vendors and instant gallery. Since I have only been a turner for about a year I had no idea what to expect.
Just walking around was a great educational experience, talking with vendors and other turners. It is hard to explain the excitment unless you have been to one of these before. Bought some wood, made lots of contacts for future purchases, compared some notes for a new lathe to purchase this winter, handled lots of tools and other hardware, and got plenty of ideas.
The instant gallery was the most inspiring part. Hundreds of pieces to look at (and photograph), admire, wonder about technique, talk with other turners, and inspire me to push a little harder on future pieces. We were very impressed to say the least, and talked all the way home about the work we saw.
We will definitely make room in my calendar to attend the WHOLE symposium next year! To those of you still their tonight, I am jealous!
Ray
Just walking around was a great educational experience, talking with vendors and other turners. It is hard to explain the excitment unless you have been to one of these before. Bought some wood, made lots of contacts for future purchases, compared some notes for a new lathe to purchase this winter, handled lots of tools and other hardware, and got plenty of ideas.
The instant gallery was the most inspiring part. Hundreds of pieces to look at (and photograph), admire, wonder about technique, talk with other turners, and inspire me to push a little harder on future pieces. We were very impressed to say the least, and talked all the way home about the work we saw.
We will definitely make room in my calendar to attend the WHOLE symposium next year! To those of you still their tonight, I am jealous!
Ray