Jaheda Oquab Shirzad

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I was introduced to woodturning in high school years ago but did not pursue woodturning again until 1992. I obtained a new lathe in 2000 and, after retiring as an electrical engineer and adjunct college instructor, I started working in earnest on the wood lathe making many bowls, pens, vases and art. I began painting my basket illusion pieces in 2020. Each is turned on the lathe from a single piece of wood and then enhanced with wood burning and paint to give the illusion of a woven basket.

I appreciate all aspects of working with wood, whether it be the tactile response of wood, the aesthetic quality, or the art created. I enjoy meeting folks at sales events and giving them the opportunity to appreciate the medium as much as I do.

I am a member of the Mid-Columbia Woodturners and have displayed my work in local art retail galleries and American Association of Woodturners national symposiums. Additionally, one of my illusion pieces recently received an award at the 65th Annual Central Washington Artists’ Exhibit at Larson Gallery.