MAST 2017-We Are Ready

Bowls, platters and a table in Brian Markham’s MAST display.

The drive for the 2017 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour on September 23-24 and September 30-October 1st will be spectacular with the promised warm and sunny weather and the fall leaves at their peak during the two weekends of the tour.

The setup for my studio is always a challenge as my workshop is also my gallery. Equipment has been moved out, the wood chips and sawdust have been removed and displays have been created beside the lathe and on my equipment. It is satisfying to see that my long hours in the shop and my careful choice of burls and wood have resulted in a beautiful showroom.

Entertaining and serving food is fun when you have live-edge bowls and a black walnut charcuterie board.

Brian Markham has set up his workshop for 2017 MAST.

I am often asked which piece is my favourite during the tour. This year my choice is this Elm Burl Platter. Elm Burl is rare as elm trees have been infected by Dutch Elm disease, with old trees dying and any new trees restricted in size and lifespan. This means that we will not see new large elm burls. I was delighted to find this burl and to discover the richness of colour and figuring after turning it on the lathe. The colours are dramatic with bark inclusions and a live edge.

Elm Burl Platter and Bowl

Black Poplar Burl table with a wrought iron base.

Live-edge Yellow Birch Bowl by Brian Markham

I hope that you will come to my studio this fall to see my hand-turned bowls and platters and my finely finished burl tables. My burl art connects you to nature and is a beautiful and functional addition to your home.

Travel along Fieldale Road to Limberlost Woodturning and enjoy the colourful drive.