I understand what you mean John. But I also understand that in order to make a living …. Products pay the bills for most professional turners. One would find it a real eye opener to know that most professional turners never get rich from their skills on the lathe. Just economics that affect the craft and making a living.
Absolutely. She is doing what many of us wouldn't have the gumption to even try. I wish her the best.
Ashley Harwood was a demonstrator at the AAW Annual symposium in Raleigh a few years ago. I attended her demo on turning a bowl. She is very skilled and knowledgeable.
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No argument Odie...But I would add that for ALL of us...someone planted a seed. A kernel. Something we saw them do, or something that they taught us "sprouted" within us and grew into our own vision of what this thing called "woodturning" is to each of us.
For me - I want as many perspectives as possible. I have sat in on many "professional" demos that the ego was so thick, you had to mentality cut it away in order to just focus of what was being done and how. And - I am fine with that. I can - and do - admire many of the internationally known turners for their abilities and workmanship.... even tho I may not actually like them as a person. Originality of thought...? Really? I find that the most difficult part of turning something. As soon as I produce something that surely no one has seen before...Pintrest delivers to my inbox, pages of turned objects that look like someone stole my ideas!
So - I am always interested in the observations and input of others - not that I will follow everyone's philosophy and adopt it as my own. But...I do strive to learn at least one thing from everyone I watch or has exchange of ideas with. Including you....
Thanks Odie. I understand and appreciate your position completely. Maybe I will reach a point of experience at which I am less excited to see something or someone new and how they turn. But, as of now...I am really enjoying seeing all of the different methods that people use - and most produce really nice finished product - even if it is not my style/taste - I appreciate the craftsmanship.m I agree about Raffan's books. I have several and find them foundational, sound principles for anyone wanting to learn good woodturning skills.A great post, Tim.....thanks for taking the time to formulate your thoughts.
I don't suspect anyone will adopt my turning philosophy, because to do so would mean shedding some very ingrained turning principles that most other turners feel are chiseled in stone! I will continue to speak my mind about what I believe, and let the chips fall where they may!
Yes, as I said, most of my most meaningful advancements in turning was the result of my own "time in the saddle"...... However, in the very beginning, I was influenced by Richard Raffan's first book in the late 1980's, and then a short time later, his first vhs video. That book looks pretty worn out, and I probably watched the video over a hundred times!
I'll agree that Raffan did plant some seeds, that grew from there.
-----odie-----
