I have always been involved with wood. Until I recently retired, my interests were on the hobby level and collecting. I moved my grandfather’s wood collection eight times over 30 years. Some pieces date back to 1954. Another piece is a leftover oak threshold from his house built in 1908. From him I learned that wood always has a history and tells a story. How old was the tree? Did it shade and cool a house during those hot dusty summer months? Did a child swing from one of the branches? (I know all too well the story behind trees from golf courses!)

In the past couple of years, I simply fell in love with turning wooden bowls. I enjoy the entire process. Being ever vigilant for downed trees, handling heavy materials (“How in the world will I get this 2,000 lb trunk in this trailer?”). Strategizing on how to cut the find to maximize the beauty of a future piece. Roughing out the bowl which is the first glimpse of the interior. Waiting a year and then completing the final piece sort of brings back all of the prior memories and then, “There it is!”