Australian Wood Review – September 2019

58 Australian Wood Review

WOODTURNING

T

urning by its nature creates circular forms, be they

long and cylindrical, or flat and round – but hidden

within are various other shapes. All you need to do is cut

and re-arrange to see a completely new aspect of the form

you originally created, something explored by Vic Wood

here in Australia and Stephen Hogbin in Canada some

twenty-plus years ago.

Out of round

Strangely, my mind leads me to think ‘outside the circle’,

so when ideas head toward sculptural concepts, the circle

is often dissected, rearranged and texture comes to the

fore. In my time of working with wood either as a maker or

a teacher, I think I’ve tackled more qualities of wood than

I’d like to list, so here’s a bit of an insight into some pieces

that, for some, challenge preconceptions of turned work.

And maybe you too will begin to think laterally about

forms that are made on the lathe, and then there may come

a spark where odd shaped pieces of wood lead to ideas

you’d never thought you’d create.

Into the woods

My inspiration comes from the material – wood. Grain,

texture, scent, feel and colour lead to pieces that focus

on prominent qualities of the material. In my earlier days

there was no way I’d do anything more than sand wood

to show its inherent beauty, but now there are times when

burning is the most obvious way to expose its inner core.

And then there are times when paint can contrast the

colour of wood, maybe complement it too... Now I’m open

to a range of techniques; however, it is wood that still

governs where my work comes from and where it goes.

Woodturning

Deconstructed

Andrew Potocnik shows how to elevate your work by thinking outside the circle.