FAQ'S
Here is a short list of the most commonly asked questions I get at art festivals and gallery events.
How should I care for my new bowl or vessel?
I generally tell people that there are 2 rules. First, don’t get it wet…water will alter the finish. Second, dust as needed (but that rule is optional).
Is my new bowl food safe?
Many of my bowls are decorative rather than functional, but they are food safe. Most of my bowls have multiple coats of a thin polyurethane finish. Once the finish is hardened, it’s inert. Then I apply a paste wax and hand buff. Again, the wax is inert once dry.
If you choose to serve food in your bowl, it will develop a patina of use. When cleaning, wipe out the bowl with a damp sponge and wipe dry. Cereal (or ice cream) is OK, but the bowl should never contain or sit in liquid for an extended period.
Where does the wood come from?
Most of the wood I use comes from local sources. My new studio is located in a mixed northeastern hardwood forest, so there is a lot of very local wood available. People who know that I am a woodturner will call when they have part of a tree available. Sometimes people bring me wood when they have an excess supply. And sometimes I just follow the sound of chainsaws.
I use a lot of freshly cut (green) wood, designing the shape, and then letting the piece air dry. As the wood dries, it makes subtle adjustments, often yielding a much more interesting final shape.
Some bowls, such as those with inlay elements, need to be made from kiln dried wood. I’ve been getting dry wood blanks from a mom-and-pop sawmill in northeast Iowa for decades.
How do you get the bowls and vessels so smooth?
I pay a lot of attention to sanding, checking my progress at each stage under very bright lights. My final sandpaper grade is usually 600 grit. This is so fine, that it really does not feel abrasive to the touch.