Showcasing the
Beauty of
Natural Woods

Bowl #29
This sculpture is made of a crotch cutting from a cherry tree. Similar to the manzanita root balls I am fond of working with, this mutant tangle of limbs challenged my imagination as well as my skills. The base is a segmented ring constructed of ebony, and the plug is made from maple. Its height is 5¾" and the diameter is 7½".

Below, you’ll find photographs documenting its transformation from raw wood to finished form.



The "raw" cherry crotch — analyzing different orientations.

The orientation chosen, the process of "rounding" begins.

A tenon is carved to enable a strong mounting in a chuck.

The tenon completed, the piece is removed and the tenon placed in a chuck on the headstock.

Shaping includes forming another tenon, allowing for a very stable mounting on both ends. At this stage, no final design is yet in mind.

The final shape is forming, however a debate ensues to decide which end is up.

The choice for a narrow top is finally decided. After hollowing, the piece is finished.