Turning of the Week August 21, 2023

[Donna Banfield]

Curt Fuller creates many forms using the basket of illusions in his work. I am familiar with Curt's work, and it is important to note that all of Curt's pieces start with a well-turned form.

It cannot be repeated enough, that no amount of surface embellishment, or artwork, regardless of how pretty it might be, can save a poorly turned form. Curt's Bradford Pear Jar is a great example of a well-turned form. The form's curve stays consistent, even as the curve slows down along the bottom two-thirds of vessel. By that I mean, even as the shape of the curve elongates, the curve is still present. To test that in real time, place a flat edge, or ruler along any curve you have turned. If the ruler edge lays flat at any point, you've lost the curve. It is challenging to see as you're turning. It takes practice, especially when we're looking at our work at a 45-degree variation from the way it is usually displayed. But it can be done.

The decorative basket of illusion has consistently formed beads, cut clean and precise. The pattern he created using dye is crisp and without blead over to the adjacent squares. For all these reasons, Curt's Bradford Pear Jar is my choice for turning of the week, August 21, 2023.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Great choice, Donna! Curt’s work is always high quality, and this one is certainly no exception. The form is beautiful, the basket illusion effective, and the pattern is awesome. Really amazing all around. Congratulations on the feature, Curt. You deserved it!

 

[hockenbery]

Excellent choice @Donna Banfield and a nice instructive commentary.

I admire @Curt Fuller remarkable basketry illusions such as this one as well as his terrific platters.

 

[Russ Braun]

Nice choice Donna! I have been a fan of Curt’s work from the moment it saw it for the first time. This is a fabulous piece!!

 

[Tom Gall]

Congratulations, Curt. Your basket illusion pieces are always so well done. I'll bet most people can't find where the lid joint is ... precision!
Good choice, Donna.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

What a lovely piece of art! Outstanding in all aspects.

 

[Curt Fuller]

Thank you Donna for the TOTW honor and thanks everyone else for all the nice comments.

 

[Kevin Jesequel]

Congratulations, Curt! This is a stunner, as is all of your work.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

The form's curve stays consistent, even as the curve slows down along the bottom two-thirds of vessel. By that I mean, even as the shape of the curve elongates, the curve is still present. To test that in real time, place a flat edge, or ruler along any curve you have turned. If the ruler edge lays flat at any point, you've lost the curve.

What Donna is explaining is one of many reason I like to design in CAD software. When blending curves (arc segments) to have a smooth transition as the curve elongates (increases in radius) at the blend point of the curves they have to be tangent. Being tangent means there's a smooth connecting point without any lump or discontinuity of surface contour. It can't always be seen, it can be felt. Auto body repair people check for discontinuity by using a rag between the body panel and their hand.

When designing in CAD it's easy to make sure your curves (arc segments) are tangent. Then if you "turn" your objects with a CNC or other method capable of following a design contour you can be assured of no blending problems. And the "turning" with be exact to your design (even in difficult materials) .

For hand turners there's a special tool to eliminate poor blends. It's called sandpaper. Problem is sanding can be a nasty job and if the discontinuities are severe the overall design form could be destroyed.

 

[Larry Mercier]

Curt, wow! Awesome turning.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

Great choice Donna. Very beautiful piece.