I'm really pleased to be taking part in "Natural Forms", the first new exhibition since lockdown at Sou'-Sou'-West, the re-branded Lyme Bay Arts Gallery at Symondsbury Estate near Bridport.
Open 10.30am to 4.30pm Thurs to Mon until 31st August.
In the top photo: Ebonised Oak vase, Spalted Beech platter and Spalted Beech vase.
The sap wood of the oak log had been attacked by a worm or caterpillar which created large holes; I decided to keep part of this in the piece and added extra texturing with the Proxxon grinder. It was ebonised with a solution of white vinegar and steel wool. This method works best on heartwood but I like the variation of colour in created by the paler sapwood.
The beech vase cracked as it dried so I enhanced the cracks to make a feature of the piece.
The bottom photo: Spalted Beech bowl, a slice of Ash and a Silver Birch Burr bowl with natural edge. The spalting in all of the beech pieces is colouration which develops as the wood dries or rots when fungi is present. It is enhanced by storing the wood in a dark and damp place. The crack in the beech bowl was formed in a knotted area as the wood dried. I cleaned out the crack to make it a more prominent part of the piece. The bark on the Silver Birch Burr stayed on throughout the turning and drying process and serves to enhance the beauty of the piece.
