Sedona Sunset reminds me of my visits to Sedona. Looking out to the hills and desert with their incredible colors and the texture of the desert. This is the natural color of Manzanita wood. See the similarities between the desert and Manzanita?
Process
Nothing beats the organic nature of the art pieces that I am able to produce with Manzanita Burl. The Manzanita burl is the most beautiful wood I work with. Each burl has its own unique character with variations in color. In its raw form the burl is rather ugly. My theory is that the uglier the wood the more beautiful the final piece. Manzanita is extremely difficult to fabricate because of the embedded rocks and sand which quickly compromise the cutting tools. To work a piece is literally a battle to shape the form, but the end results are well worth it. During the struggle with each piece I swear I will never work with the wood again. Once complete I see the beauty of the wood is evident. In spite of my reservations there is no doubt that I will continue with this wood.
About
I purchase this exotic wood from a licence logger in California who is able to harvest Manzanita after a wildfire. Manzanita is a protected species as there is a limited supply. It is both expensive and in high demand. I cannot think of another wood species that yields such beautiful turned pieces.
If you like Sedona Sunset here is another example of a Manzanita piece Manzanita Wooden Bowl
Studio
I design and produce all of my work in Montvale, New Jersey, USA. Every piece is made with love to provide years of enjoyment. The piece begins on the lathe to shape the form and then goes to the workbench for finishing. All pieces and original and signed by me,