There is nothing more powerful than being inspired by an idea and having the confidence to create that one-of-a-kind piece on the lathe…this is what woodturning is all about! – E.Lofstrom
Woodturning adventures began for me in October of 2001 at a woodworking store in Sumner, WA. Attending a free woodworking demonstration on turning pens and letter openers was all it took to hook my curiosity. Creating shavings on a lathe consumed my thoughts for the next few weeks as I wrapped my brain around how a finished piece could emerge from rough materials so quickly! After hearing all the details (several times), my wife pursued this spark of excitement and set my woodturning journey in motion with a mini lathe and tool set for Christmas. Years later, my woodturning enthusiasm continues to grow. Like many turners, my woodturning adventures began with scraps of 2x4s and “factory sharpened” tools. Several startling catches in the first few projects quickly focused me on the why and how of creating curls instead of settling for sawdust. Gaining tool control and improving my technique became a personal quest. Whether creating a fitted lid box or multi-axis turning, a translucent or winged bowl, a hollow form or exploring surface embellishments, I enjoy projects which challenge my skills and stretch my creativity.
In the fall of 2002, I began my membership in the South Puget Sound Chapter of the AAW. I served on the board of directors from 2005-2012 and have enjoyed representing our club at several woodworking shows in addition to mentoring others at our club’s monthly sawdust sessions. I began demonstrations and teaching woodturning classes at local woodworking stores in 2006. Since then, I have demonstrated at several symposiums and woodturning clubs around the Pacific Northwest. The constant exposure to other turners continues to transform my awareness and understanding of turning fundamentals.
Conscious of the importance tool control plays in creating pieces, I believe it is not only important to know which techniques work but also why they work. As a passionate teacher and woodturner, I hope to impact the world of woodturning by helping others build confidence in tool control and developing their own voice in woodturning!
