My choice for Turning of the Week beginning Monday, August 14, 2023 is “Red Oak Vessel" by Kevin Jesequel. Kevin’s hollow forms are textbook. His curves are always continuous and his openings narrow. I appreciate his well-formed necks/rims, as well as his typically small bases that give lift to the forms. That said, these attributes apply to pretty much all of his pieces. As someone else once wrote, you could throw a dart at any of his turnings and it would land on something excellent. Please don’t actually throw a dart, as that would be a sacrilege.
The reason I chose this vessel in particular is because I have a fondness for Oaks. I also have a fondness for employing additional techniques that enhance a piece’s overall effect. Even if Kevin had simply sanded this vessel it would be spectacular; however, by sandblasting this seemingly fast-growing piece of Red Oak we are treated with a visually tactile canvas full of sharp rays and deep earlywood crevasses. The intense texture is perfectly juxtaposed with warm natural coloration--the surface treatment takes the piece to the next level. Really the top level, as this is one of the best hollow forms I’ve seen. Maybe one day I will be fortunate enough to hold it in my hands.
This piece ticks all of the boxes for me: excellent form, skillful embellishment, fantastic finish, and a wonderful photograph to boot. It is my pleasure to choose Kevin’s vessel for my inaugural TOTW selection.
The reason I chose this vessel in particular is because I have a fondness for Oaks. I also have a fondness for employing additional techniques that enhance a piece’s overall effect. Even if Kevin had simply sanded this vessel it would be spectacular; however, by sandblasting this seemingly fast-growing piece of Red Oak we are treated with a visually tactile canvas full of sharp rays and deep earlywood crevasses. The intense texture is perfectly juxtaposed with warm natural coloration--the surface treatment takes the piece to the next level. Really the top level, as this is one of the best hollow forms I’ve seen. Maybe one day I will be fortunate enough to hold it in my hands.
This piece ticks all of the boxes for me: excellent form, skillful embellishment, fantastic finish, and a wonderful photograph to boot. It is my pleasure to choose Kevin’s vessel for my inaugural TOTW selection.
