Description
It has been so hot and sunny this summer that even this Freckles Elm Bowl wood has freckles. This is an extraordinary example of Elm Burl with the dark hard wood and white sap wood with brown dots. This is my first piece of Elm burl and it is surprising how different it is from maple and oak burl. The size is 4 by 4 inches.
Hollow Form Style
This style bowl is a Hollow Form. It is a special technique of wood turning where the Maker opens a small hole. With special hook shape tools he removes the wood inside the hole. He cannot see inside so he relies on calipers and the cutting sound in order to achieve a consistent wall thickness. This takes a lot of practice along with many failures to be able to make this form. Credit for Hollow Form turning belongs to David Ellsworth. It was revolutionary for turning and changed the course of the craft from primarily utilitarian products to an art form. Here is the link for Ellsworth.
Burl Wood
A burl is that ugly bump that you may see on a tree. Often thought of as a tumor or tree cancer, it is neither. It probably is a defensive measure by the tree in response to an insect invasion or environmental damage. Burl is highly sought after by wood workers. Tree fibers grow in straight lines. Inside a burl the grain direction is random and this creates very interesting patterns for the artist to work. Here is another burl piece Stunning Cherry Burl Platter.
Gift Ideas
If you are looking for a special gift like Freckles Elm Bowl look at my Etsy Store.
Studio
I design all of my work in my New Jersey Studio USA and all bowls have my signature on the bottom..