Open Petals

Each wood sculptured vessel is created from wood that is found on our property here in Maine. The species include white oak, red oak, ash, etc.. A lot of the wood is from dead standing or fallen trees or from cut trees that pose a danger. The vessels are created using several different methods and tools. I start with an idea, but only after I have begun does the wood reveal what it wants to be.

I start with lumber that is green so it has a high moisture content. Once the basic shape is formed I dry them rapidly which causes the wood to crack and warp. This allows the vessels to take on there own unique personalities. I don’t try and fix the imperfections that occur during the drying process, but instead I let the vessel decide what it will become by enhancing the fractures. Once this process is complete I have an idea of the colors I want to use, but more often than not this changes as I start  applying color and various methods. Just like with the turning and carving process I let the wood take me where it needs to be.