We are fortunate at the SPSW that we have a great location for our Sawdust Sessions and special demonstrations. Nancy Sweazey graciously lets us use her shop and if you have been there you know how well it is set up for turning. So to show her our appreciation we will be holding our annual clean-up day at Nancy’s place on Saturday, April 30th from 9:00 to noon. Members are asked to bring their rakes and weed whackers and enjoy three hours of camaraderie with your fellow club members. This is not the time to say let someone else do it. If you enjoy the Sawdust Sessions come on out and have fun!
April Demonstrator
This is a special month. We are very pleased to have Bonnie Klein as our guest demonstrator.
Bonnie has been involved with woodturning since the early 1980’s, attending most of the major woodturning symposiums for over 25 years. In 1986 she designed the small Klein Lathe which has been in production for over 20 years. In 1992 she introduced the Klein Threading Jig as an accessory to the lathe for cutting threads in wood. Bonnie produced 5 turning videos which have now been converted to DVD’s and in 2005 wrote a woodturning project book. Her popularity as a demonstrator and educator has resulted in invitations to countries around the world, as well as all around the USA. In recent years she has been a featured demonstrator in several International Symposiums – in South Africa, Canada, the UK and Australia. In 2003 the American Association of Woodturners awarded Bonnie with an AAW Honorary Lifetime Member in recognition of her contributions to woodturning.
“I turn for the love of the creative process. I am addicted to discovery, progress, and the fact that perfection is forever elusive but, as I strive for it, yesterday’s challenges become the basic skills of tomorrow. I love the distinct smell of the various woods, the sound of the shavings as they are cut by a sharp tool, and how quickly a form appears from a block of material. In the past I have enjoyed many other crafts – spinning, knitting, weaving, basketry, etc, but not only for the tactile sensations. The aroma of spinning “in the grease”, the smell of wet reeds for a basket, the sound of a shuttle or the clicking of knitting needles all contributed to the satisfaction of making something. Experimenting with turning unusual materials such as bone, plastic, tagua nuts, aluminum and horn has led to many more interesting sensations for the eyes, ears, hands and nose.”
You can read more about Bonnie on her website http://www.bonnieklein.com/.
Mini-Symposium Photos Uploaded
Pictures from the March mini-symposium have been added to the galleries. Look under Galleries/Club Events.
IWCS Northwest Spring Meeting
The International Wood Collectors Society (IWCS) will be holding their Northwest Spring Meeting on May 7th. They have planned a day full of demos, displays, wood varieties, show & tell, wood auction and more. Demonstrations will include woodturning by Ed Quesnell, Fred Holder and John Hampton. The event will be held at the Adna Grange hall 5 miles west of Chehalis on hiway 6. Take exit # 77 off of Interstate 5 and watch for IWCS signs.
Everyone is encouraged to bring displays of their craftwork and tables will be available. Bring some of your new creations as well as some of your favorite items that you may have shown before.
Doors will open at 9 am and coffee and goodies will be available. A meal will be served at noon by the ladies of the Grange for $10 per person. The Grange requests dinner confirmation by April 23rd.
This meeting is not limited to IWCS members. Please invite any interested persons that you know to attend. There is no admission fee. Visitors do not have to eat lunch at the Grange if they choose not to do so.
More information and registration information can be found on the IWCS website.
WOO Annual Symposium
The Woodturners of Olympia are holding their annual Creativity in Woodturning symposium on July 23rd featuring Mike Mahoney and Stephen Hatcher. This all day event will include demonstrations on:
– how to cut a log to get the best blanks for turning
– establishing design, form and finish
– popping the grain
– nested natural edge bowls
– making an heirloom bowl or platter
Stephen Hatcher will also be conducting two all day workshops on the 24th and 25th.
Registration cost to the symposium includes a gourmet meal. More information and the registration form can be found on the Woodturners of Olympia symposium information page.
About the Turners
Mike Mahoney, Provo, UT
Mike Mahoney has been a professional wood turner since 1994. His bowls are featured in galleries across the United States. Mike’s work is sought after by collectors all over the world. Mike is often requested to demonstrate and teach for wood turning clubs, craft schools and symposia. He has traveled around the world to discuss and demonstrate his craft. He is considered an authority in woodturning. Mike is passionate about his craft and the American Craft movement. He is dedicated to producing quality craft and educating the public about woodturning. His wood comes from urban sources (tree trimmers and local cities). He produces all of his work on the lathe without any embellishments after the fact, creating a very traditional feel with contemporary ideas. He wants his work to be attractive as well as useful.
“For my work to be admired is one thing, but for my work to be used fulfills my purpose as a craftsman.”
Stephen Hatcher, Olympia, WA
Stephen is an artist who works with wood and stone, lathe turning platters and vases from wood and then inlaying mineral crystals to create images of striking beauty. He has merged the disparate techniques of woodturning and stone carving, resulting in work that is unique both technically and in style. The pieces are made from highly figured woods where each design is inspired first by the wood figure that presents itself and the best form to capture that figure. The inlay designs are uniquely hand carved and created with layered translucent crystals. These designs and principally inspired by the changing seasons and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest as well as the traditional art forms of Japan.
AAW POP Auction
Twenty-six artists have donated spectacular pieces for this year’s auction. These are some of the best and best known woodturners today – Stephen Hatcher, Art Liestman, Binh Pho, David Ellsworth, Dale Larson, Don Derry, Curt Theobald and many more. SPSW members may recognize names of those who have given demonstrations at our monthly meetings.
Here’s your chance to own an amazing piece of art and support the AAW. Go to the AAW POP Auction Page and click the artist’s name to get a description of the piece and a link to the auction page. Part one of the auction started April 9th and will continue until April 16th. Part two of the auction begins today, April 13th and will continue until April 23rd.
