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turningpoint
TURNINGPOINT woodcraft
by Joan Kelly
Memphis, TN
Woodworking has appealed to me since I was a small child snooping around in my grandpa's workshop, but it has been only since 2003 that I have developed a passion for turning, thanks to a chance opportunity to take a short workshop during an art teachers' conference at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg. Teaching the workshop was Joe Ruminski (www. greenriverwoodworking.com). Joe has become my mentor in turning, a continuous inspiration and a good friend.


I prefer to use found wood, often rescuing storm strewn or diseased logs from the curb before the city hauls them to the chipping machine.  My goal is to turn graceful forms with clean lines and good balance.  The joy of the process includes discovery of the unexpected:  knots, patterns, insect holes, or spalting buried within the wood.  I think nature has left some art there, and it is my good fortune to find it!
GALLERY
Cedar from Ocracoke Island, NC. 11"bowl
Conductor's baton; purple heart
Chalices, recycled cypress staircase spindle
Carved rim cherry bowl, 8" diameter
Communion set, cherry, commission for Rhodes College
Byzantine bowl, maple with painted interior
Small aphrodisiac vials
Ambrosia maple bark edge bowl, 14" across
Box elder bowl, 12" diameter
Heart of Pine, 9" across
"Angel Bowl"  Ocracoke Island cedar,
 11" diameter
Chestnut bark edge bowl, 14" across

 

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