The intricacies of the wood grain are oblivious to the eye when spinning on the lathe at several hundred rpm providing the perfect opportunity to work on form. An attractive shape with smooth flowing lines is the first thing Andy develops when shaping on his lathe. The silhouette and shadow of the finished piece should be just as inviting to the viewer as the grain in the wood.
Even the most fabulous grain patterns in the wood will be sacrificed if the form yearns for improvement. Andy carefully studies the shape as he turns the bowls until he is satisfied with the flowing curves.
Too many times a piece is rushed to the finished state only to sit on a shelf and have detractions in form stand out like a sore thumb. Some creative perspective is also required since the bowl spins sideways on the lathe, but is generally displayed upright when finished.
andycolewood@gmail.com