"2020 Remembered" Part 2

For as long as I can remember, I have spent every moment possible creating something. I spent hours coloring, then drawing and eventually creating my own comic strips. My interest in photography entered the scene in high school and soon became a beloved creative outlet.

 
In college, I expanded my interests and explored the world of watercolor, merging my photography with a newfound passion for the remarkable medium.

Following retirement in 2018 from two rewarding careers, in Veterinary Medicine and in Occupational Therapy, I joined the Yakima Valley Art Association to connect with the local art culture.

 
Now with more time to spare and my camera in hand, I can be found where I am most inspired. My inspiration comes from nature and all things from the natural world.

I look forward to putting more miles on my paint brush and with courage, continue to create

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 woodburning 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.

                                                                      Theme of Work

The pieces in this display are representative of my BASKET ILLUSION ART. They are turned on the wood lathe, with the grooves shaped while the piece rotates on the lathe. This makes them wrap around the piece. Then the perpendicular lines are evenly spaced and subsequently burned onto the surface with a wood burner. They give the appearance of beads similar to those seen on woven baskets.  Designing a color pattern is quite challenging. The geometrically repeating pattern is created by counting the beads along the circumference and designing an evenly repeatable decoration. This decoration is then carefully painted onto the wood with acrylic paint.