Inspiration?

[Charlie Knighton]

inspiration

big word..........i took my first trip to utah last year, before the symposium i visited the moab area.....while touring arches and canyonlands i was visually not inspired but comforted.....some of the landscapes are so primitive compared to the lushness of the east.....i really liked a short hike in arches titled "park avenue".......i tend to do one type of turning for a period of time.....then something else will interest me.....i enjoy the process, but do not consider myself an expert woodturner

 

[Bill Boehme]

POOF happens

HELP!!!! Itry to "manage " attachments and it just gets me to a folder of photos I posted a while ago with ice storm. Can't figure out how to get to my 2014 photo file name. Gretch

I spent about 15 minutes typing a long detailed helpful answer only to have it go POOF! Apparently the auto-save feature is worthless when POOF happens. Anyway, I might try to re-type the post later after I get over my mad. Right now, I need to need to open up my shop doors to let fresh air in after cursing a blue streak.

 

[Betty Scarpino]

HELP!!!! Itry to "manage " attachments and it just gets me to a folder of photos I posted a while ago with ice storm. Can't figure out how to get to my 2014 photo file name. Gretch

Gretch, look just above those old photos for a narrow box. Directions in this box will allow you to upload new images. This arrangement threw me at first, too.

 

[Bill Boehme]

There is an even easier way. Click on the Insert Image icon in the toolbar at the top of the text entry box when you post a message. You will get a pop-up that allows you to upload from your computer or enter the name of a URL.

 

[Gretch Flo]

photos

HELP!!!! Itry to "manage " attachments and it just gets me to a folder of photos I posted a while ago with ice storm. Can't figure out how to get to my 2014 photo file name. Gretch

Thanks, Bill's suggestions worked, can't get Betty's to work. Hope this goes thru. Goes with #40 in thread.

 

[Edward Weber]

What are your inspirations for shape and style?

How do you design the piece that you're about to make?

Is there a body of work by one or more woodturners that inspires you to try to expand your skills and designs?

1. My inspiration comes from my life's experiences.
2. Much like Odie, I start with a basic game plan, but if the wood would be better suited as something else (good or bad) it's easy enough to change the plan.
3. Short answer is no. Long answer is that subconsciously you will gravitate towards a style of work whether you realize it or not.

 

[odie]

Thanks, Bill's suggestions worked, can't get Betty's to work. Hope this goes thru. Goes with #40 in thread. View attachment 7028View attachment 7029

That's a lovely bowl, Gretch.......

You can also go back to your post number 40 and add the photos to that post. What you need to do is hit the edit option, and then go to the advanced option. There, you can add the photos.

ooc

 

[Gretch Flo]

thanks Odie

That's a lovely bowl, Gretch.......

You can also go back to your post number 40 and add the photos to that post. What you need to do is hit the edit option, and then go to the advanced option. There, you can add the photos.

ooc

Odie-Got er done!!. Thanks for the guidance. I tried it before but it didn't happen, computer illiterate, Gretch

 

[Scott Kloster]

Newbie Inspiration-The Unkown

What are your inspirations for shape and style?

How do you design the piece that you're about to make?

Is there a body of work by one or more woodturners that inspires you to try to expand your skills and designs?[/QUOTE]

As a new woodturner I cannot say much about shape or style. I have a Delta LA 200 that sat in the corner for several years. Just before Christmas I was in the shop meditating (that spot between "I need to do this" and "Man, I really want to do something different") when the lathe caught my eye. I found a 4 inch block of something or other and dug out the tools that came with the lathe and mounted the blank up. This was an exercise in: Where is the center, how high is the toolrest, would a faceplate go on the bottom or top, does grain matter...etc.? The answer was 'screw it', center it up, go for the lowest speed and go nuts with a roughing gouge (I learned some of this from a general woodworking class I had taken years ago). As you all know, something happens as a shape takes form and you move from the click,click,click of the roughing gouge on square stock to something round and smooth and the gentle hiss of a sharp tool on wood. And time is a deep afterthought.

The bowl shape was determined by the heavy stock removal required after HUGE catches. The style was Newbie Effort One. The inspiration? Unknown and not repeatable. I made three very different bowls that day and I love all of them (I even gave one away as a Christmas present). I dressed them with Tried and True and Bison wax while they spun on the lathe...oh man, was that fun!

Since then, I have tried to do it again with something in mind before I start and, well, it just doesn't work that way for me right now. I am sure as my skill level improves I will be able to bring a stronger intentional design element to the turning, but for now, what gets me back to the lathe is simply the notion that something different is going to show up.

As a new turner, I marvel at the lathe work just about anyone. I have no idea how Betty Scarpino makes her pieces but they flat out glue me to the page. I am enamored of the turned vessel, so obviously David Ellsworth got my attention. But for now, the simple open bowl inspires simply because that is what usually shows up at the end and I like making it better and different. I know I have a loooong ways to go, but I hope the unkown continues to inspire me all the way.

 

[hockenbery]

What are your inspirations for shape and style? How do you design the piece that you're about to make? Is there a body of work by one or more woodturners that inspires you to try to expand your skills and designs?

As a new turner, I marvel at the lathe work just about anyone. I have no idea how Betty Scarpino makes her pieces but they flat out glue me to the page. I am enamored of the turned vessel, so obviously David Ellsworth got my attention. But for now, the simple open bowl inspires simply because that is what usually shows up at the end and I like making it better and different. I know I have a loooong ways to go, but I hope the unkown continues to inspire me all the way.[/QUOTE]

Inspiration changes with time and exposure.
Consider joining a local AAW chapter. They welcome visitors except the few that meet in a restricted area like a gated community.
Consider taking a weekend class from David Ellsworth he turns bowls about as well as anyone practice a year take a class with Betty....
If you are like me, in 2 years with classes you'll be 10 years ahead of where you would be on your own. And you will get a rich set of inspirations.

Learn to make a surface
Then learn to master the curve.
Then put them together.

Be safe,
Al

 

[Mark Mandell]

Mine

Since I started this, I shouldn't wait for Odie or Ed Weber to turn my question back upon me.

With a degree in Art History, I've studied the forms and treatment of vessels, whether wood, ceramic, bronze, or other, from the world over; Africa, Middle East, China, India, Japan, Pacific Islands, Native American, Pre-Columbian, all have a place in my "shape memory." Then there is the masters Degree in sculpture and 6 years of teaching both sculpture and ceramics.

It's not surprising, therefore, that I tend to focus on pure form issues, and the work of turners such as Bob Stocksdale and David Ellsworth.

As a figure sculptor, I enjoy the journey in Jim Christensen's work, and Betty Scarpino evokes memories of several of my favorite artists, Barbara Hepworth being a standout.

I go to the wood lathe in two instances: 1. When I have the urge to make a piece that I have in my mind to do and a chunk of wood that I think will fit, and 2. When I just want to make a mess in the garage with long streamers of wood fibers.

Thus my inspiration comes from a combination of the knowledge base acquired over years of study, sprinkled with the salt and pepper of other turners' work, and leavened with the mystery I may find inside the material.

 

[Bill Boehme]

What are your inspirations for shape and style?

How do you design the piece that you're about to make?

Is there a body of work by one or more woodturners that inspires you to try to expand your skills and designs?

As a new woodturner I cannot say much about shape or style. I have a Delta LA 200 that sat in the corner for several years. Just before Christmas I was in the shop meditating (that spot between "I need to do this" and "Man, I really want to do something different") when the lathe caught my eye. I found a 4 inch block of something or other and dug out the tools that came with the lathe and mounted the blank up. This was an exercise in: Where is the center, how high is the toolrest, would a faceplate go on the bottom or top, does grain matter...etc.? The answer was 'screw it', center it up, go for the lowest speed and go nuts with a roughing gouge (I learned some of this from a general woodworking class I had taken years ago). As you all know, something happens as a shape takes form and you move from the click,click,click of the roughing gouge on square stock to something round and smooth and the gentle hiss of a sharp tool on wood. And time is a deep afterthought.

The bowl shape was determined by the heavy stock removal required after HUGE catches. The style was Newbie Effort One. The inspiration? Unknown and not repeatable. I made three very different bowls that day and I love all of them (I even gave one away as a Christmas present). I dressed them with Tried and True and Bison wax while they spun on the lathe...oh man, was that fun!

Since then, I have tried to do it again with something in mind before I start and, well, it just doesn't work that way for me right now. I am sure as my skill level improves I will be able to bring a stronger intentional design element to the turning, but for now, what gets me back to the lathe is simply the notion that something different is going to show up.

As a new turner, I marvel at the lathe work just about anyone. I have no idea how Betty Scarpino makes her pieces but they flat out glue me to the page. I am enamored of the turned vessel, so obviously David Ellsworth got my attention. But for now, the simple open bowl inspires simply because that is what usually shows up at the end and I like making it better and different. I know I have a loooong ways to go, but I hope the unkown continues to inspire me all the way.

I think that everybody is able to relate to your comments. I know that for certain you are describing me a few years ago. As Al said, learning comes with time and exposure. Sharing is one of the wonderful things about woodturning that serves to magnify its appeal.

Since you mentioned a roughing gouge and also talked about bowl turning, I thought that this might be a good time to play Norm Abram and talk about shop safety (this is a modified version and you probably already know this, but somebody reading might not):

"Before we use any lathe tools, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your woodturning tools. Knowing how to use your lathe and asociated tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — face shield and safety glasses." Also, a Roughing Gouge AKA Spindle Roughing Gouge, should only be used on turnings where the grain direction runs lengthwise between the headstock and tailstock. Never use a (Spindle) Roughing Gouge on wood oriented such that the grain runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation because it is a very dangerous thing to do. ("axis of rotation"? -- that is the imaginary dotted line from headstock spindle to to tailstock center -- whether live or dead!)
​

We now return to regularly scheduled programming.

 

[Scott Kloster]

Since you mentioned a roughing gouge and also talked about bowl turning, I thought that this might be a good time to play Norm Abram and talk about shop safety...

Thanks, Bill and duly noted!

We now return to regularly scheduled programming.[/QUOTE]

 

[Betty Scarpino]

As a new turner, I marvel at the lathe work just about anyone. I have no idea how Betty Scarpino makes her pieces but they flat out glue me to the page. I am enamored of the turned vessel, so obviously David Ellsworth got my attention. But for now, the simple open bowl inspires simply because that is what usually shows up at the end and I like making it better and different. I know I have a loooong ways to go, but I hope the unkown continues to inspire me all the way.

Scott, much of my work is carved after it leaves the lathe, but having that chunk of wood attached to the lathe to begin with is important to inspiring me. I want to find out what lies below that turned surface. There is much to be discovered under the thin layer of lathe-added technique.

I started woodworking in 1975, industrial arts classes at college. The lathe was the last machine I learned how to use. I've been turning since abut 1980. It's my profession. I also learned how to carve, along the way. When I decided I wanted to seriously move into adding texture, embellishing, and combining forms, I took a class from Michael Hosaluk in 1994 at Arrowmont. Fantastic and tons of fun! As Al said, taking a class will move you years beyond what you are doing now, in just one (short) week.

Now I also teach at Arrowmont. I am scheduled to teach a class there next year. Get yourself ready and sign up!

In the meantime, I am planning on taking two classes at Arrowmont this fall, just after I "retire" as editor. I want to learn more about bookmaking and working with paper. But, really, it's the intensely focused time away from normal routine that lures me to take week-long classes. Just being at Arrowmont (or any other school like that) is inspiring.


Betty Scarpino, editor, American Woodturner

 

[Betty Scarpino]

Thus my inspiration comes from a combination of the knowledge base acquired over years of study, sprinkled with the salt and pepper of other turners' work, and leavened with the mystery I may find inside the material.

Cannot beat that combination! And, I know you understand the importance (and fun!) of spending one-on-one intense time in your studio. LOTS of time. More than anything else, the time we devote to making is essential to discovering our relationship with material and process.


Betty Scarpino, editor, American Woodturner

 

[Edward Weber]

Since I started this, I shouldn't wait for Odie or Ed Weber to turn my question back upon me.

I really don't think you have a choice in the matter, you will wait, the question is, how long

 

[Rob Wallace]

Bill's 'Norm-esque' admonishment.....

Since you mentioned a roughing gouge and also talked about bowl turning, I thought that this might be a good time to play Norm Abram and talk about shop safety (this is a modified version and you probably already know this, but somebody reading might not):

"Before we use any lathe tools, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your woodturning tools. Knowing how to use your lathe and asociated tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — face shield and safety glasses." Also, a Roughing Gouge AKA Spindle Roughing Gouge, should only be used on turnings where the grain direction runs lengthwise between the headstock and tailstock. Never use a (Spindle) Roughing Gouge on wood oriented such that the grain runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation because it is a very dangerous thing to do. ("axis of rotation"? -- that is the imaginary dotted line from headstock spindle to to tailstock center -- whether live or dead!)
​

We now return to regularly scheduled programming.

Bill - I sure as hell hope that you put on a plaid flannel shirt while typing this message - if not, it doesn't count!

Rob

 

[Scott Kloster]

Now I also teach at Arrowmont. I am scheduled to teach a class there next year. Get yourself ready and sign up!

In the meantime, I am planning on taking two classes at Arrowmont this fall, just after I "retire" as editor. I want to learn more about bookmaking and working with paper. But, really, it's the intensely focused time away from normal routine that lures me to take week-long classes. Just being at Arrowmont (or any other school like that) is inspiring.


Betty Scarpino, editor, American Woodturner[/QUOTE]

Betty,
Thanks so much for your response. I will certainly look into classes-and sooooon! I have always found the osmosis of a hands-on class to be the best way to learn almost anything. I have contacted David Ellsworth but he is full on my available dates. The search begins!
Thanks again.
Scott