Love HeartWood

It’s been wonderful to look back on Skilled.Seen and see that the exhibition now has a permanent online catalogue.

Being part of a project that celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of women, trans and non-binary people working with wood was a real privilege. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Sylva Foundation, Kat and all the organisers, makers and volunteers who made it happen.

If you didn’t get the chance to visit, or you’d like another look, you can now explore the exhibition online, discover the makers behind each piece and read the stories that brought the exhibition to life.

Thank you for creating something that will continue to inspire long after the exhibition has closed.

https://skilled-seen.sylva.org.uk/

As I say to my students: Stepping outside your comfort zone is how you learn.

This was my first attempt at deep hollowing using the Woodcut Tools - Woodturning Tools and Accessories Pro-Forme system.
A huge thank you to Neil from Neil Woodcrafts for inviting me to his workshop in Kintbury to have a go on his Killinger lathe.

Using the Irons tool rest and two Pro-Forme Solid cutters—one with a straight shaft and one bent—I was surprised by how intuitive the system felt. We chose a piece of spalted birch because it’s relatively soft, making it an ideal timber to learn on.

Unfortunately, I got a little carried away, hollowing progressed faster than I thought and went straight through the side! But that’s all part of learning a new technique.

I’m hoping to repair it with resin and gold powder, so watch this space to see if I can rescue the piece.

Yesterday I dropped off my vessel ‘Unfolding’ (in my trusty The Design Trust tote) ready for today’s Skilled. Seen. exhibition at Fusion Arts in Oxford.

This exhibition is about giving greater visibility to women, trans and non-binary makers working with wood, recognising the skill, creativity and contribution that have so often been overlooked throughout the history of woodworking.
I’m incredibly proud that ‘Unfolding’ will be part of this conversation.

If you’re in or around Oxford today, I’d love you to visit, discover the work of some incredibly talented makers, and support an exhibition that’s helping shape a more inclusive future for woodworking.

https://gender-project.sylva.org.uk/skilled-seen-programme-announced/

Public exhibition: Saturday, 10am–5pm
Fusion Arts, 15 Park End Street, Oxford. (3 mins walk from Oxford train station).

Another wonderful evening spent with on Tuesday. It was a pleasure demonstrating my ebonised sweet chestnut bowl and meeting so many friendly turners.

I did have to miss my own club night to be there, but it was well worth it. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome, thoughtful questions and great conversations throughout the evening.

I’m taking a short break from club demonstrations now, but I’m looking forward to being with Didcot & District Woodturning Club in Oxfordshire this October.

I’m taking bookings now for 2017. So please drop me a message if you’d like me to visit your club next year.

A couple of weeks ago I posted about using the spindle roughing gouge in the 2 o’clock position and cutting the wood on a 45° angle to take a planing cut.

Well once you can do this, balancing the bevel and the cut going forward, take it a step further. Try pulling back keeping the cut going.