The Texas Turner

I have been a woodworker for over thirty years – long enough that projects ranged from furniture to a cedar kayak.  I have always loved that wood has its own character, and that good craftsmanship shows just as much about the original tree as it does of the artisan’s skill.

I started turning wood about seven years ago. I was interested in using a new tool, a lathe, and using species of wood that were plentiful in Texas: Pecan, Pear, and Cedar Elm. All the wood I use is locally foraged and gathered to make these products sustainably.

When selecting logs to turn into bowls, ones with interesting “grain” or “figure” are sought out and selected.  This gives an extra dimension and character to my work, which are all unique and one of a kind.

Typically, grain runs straight up and down as the tree grows, but not always.  Sometimes, the grain will veer off a straight path, particularly around limbs or where there is a “fork”.  When timber is cut, grain that is not straight will look like it’s coming out of the wood, creating a three-dimensional effect that catches and reflects light, thus producing “figure” or “feathers.” 

Everything you see here was made by hand in my workshop in West Plano. All the finishes are food safe and can be used for everything from candy to nuts – my daughter even uses some pieces as a display for candles. I hope you find one that you can enjoy in your own home -- each piece has its own design, dictated by the wood itself. Each one is unique.

You can see some of my work in the gallery, and find out where to buy my pieces. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy making it!