Petal Form Elm Burl

Unknown form for me, nice

It’s a unique shape, but I’d caution you from letting the dimensions of the source material dictate the shape. Form is paramount. IMO it’s best to create the most beautiful shape possible, even if that means not using all of the burl. The wings on this piece feel tacked on; personally, I think the vase is stronger without them. Just something to consider the next time you’re sizing up a blank or a burl for turning.

It's a beautiful piece Matt, pic really doesn't do it justice

Bob Franklin said:

It's a beautiful piece Matt, pic really doesn't do it justice

Click to expand...

Thanks Bob!

Jaramiah Severns said:

It’s a unique shape, but I’d caution you from letting the dimensions of the source material dictate the shape. Form is paramount. IMO it’s best to create the most beautiful shape possible, even if that means not using all of the burl. The wings on this piece feel tacked on; personally, I think the vase is stronger without them. Just something to consider the next time you’re sizing up a blank or a burl for turning.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your feedback Jaramiah. As you can see from the other burl piece I posted just after this one, I have no problem turning nice burl into shavings in the pursuit of form. I rather like the the way three fair curves out of the bottom section result in the the three rings of opening "petals" in this form. I wonder if the POV of this photo is partly to blame for your feeling that the wings "feel tacked on". If not, fair enough, this non-traditional form missed the mark for you. Lets see if I can figure out how to attach another view to this comment.