This month’s demonstration, “Airbrushing and Other Methods of Adding Color,” will be presented by a familiar face: Russell Neyman, a longtime friend of the South Puget Sound Woodturners.
“I came to the conclusion very early in life that I wanted to do many different things,” Neyman said recently. “Perhaps I’m easily bored or maybe I have some sort of ADHD disorder, but doing the same thing for any great length of time bores me.”
Woodworking and, more specifically, woodturning is in his blood. His grandfather, built cabinets and furniture, and many of his tools are in Russell’s shop today.
Russell makes tall, dramatic hollow forms – vessels with incredibly small openings through which he has removed the interior with a series of hooks and scrapers – typically adorned by a sweeping finial or decorative feather. He also makes gift boxes and cabinets, often featuring a secret compartment.
Neyman was President of the Olympic Peninsula Woodturners for more than three years, taking over when the previous club leader was unable to complete his term in 2013. Since leaving office in January of 2016, he has dedicated himself to promoting the craft, mentoring new woodturners and teaching formal classes in his Port Orchard studio. Currently, he conducts one-on-one sessions for would-be turners through a program called, “The Woodturning Experience.” Nearly 1000 individuals have turned with him.
