Black Bowl Red Spots is a Norfolk Island Pine Bowl. The size is 11 inch diameter by 6 inches tall. There are four red spots are from where the branches radiate.
The NIP tree grows in Florida and Hawaii. It is a rather bland wood until it gets a proper oil treatment by an artist to bring out the spectacular colors. The finished bowl or vase is submerged in linseed oil for several weeks. The oil is absorbed into the wood cells and as the oil dries the wood is polymerized. Properly cut thin wood will be translucent under a bright light with a tortoise shell appearance. The red branch knots become highlighted and appear as animal eyes or funny faces. It is the only wood that I am aware of that does this.
My Journey Into Wood Turning
The first NIP bowl I saw was in a New York gallery. I was gazing at this bowl when the Director approached. He said it was by Ron Kent an Hawaiian artist.
Knowing nothing about woodturning I was curious to learn the price. It was $3000. I was in love, but that was out of the question. Then I had the idea that for $3000 I could take lessons and purchase the tools. I found a studio that gave lessons and after two days I owned a lathe and the tools for $2000. Net savings of $1000.
This was 2009 and I never looked back. There is magic in removing layers of wood to expose the hidden form. It is because of this wood I am a woodturner today.
Wood Gift ideas
If you like this Black Bowl Red Spots take a look in my store.
Additional unique items are available in my Etsy shop.
Studio
I make all of my pieces in my studio in Montvale, New Jersey, USA.
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