A New Year & New Work

Winter is a time for inspiration and creation when I search for burls and wood that are colourful, dramatic and highly figured. They are the raw materials which I turn into live edge tables, bowls and platters. The workshop is full of the noise and vibration of the lathe and sander and the accumulation of dust and wood chips. I have already turned some beautiful pieces and want to share a few of my newest creations. Burl art with its warmth, inherent flaws and imperfections connects you to nature and allows you to discover the innate beauty of wood.

After a quiet 2020, I am preparing for the 2021 Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Tour, August 14 & 15 from 10 am to 5 pm. If all goes well this year, we hope you will be able to visit our 20 artists in 7 local studios, and see art which is inspired by the natural beauty of Muskoka.

I don’t get a lot of Madrone Burl as it is found on the west coast of Canada, but I love the rich tones of red and yellow in this wood.

Madrone Burl Platter 12” x 1.5” high $300

We photographed this Maple Burl Bowl outside on a winter day. The dramatic figuring and spalting are fabulous in this piece.

Maple Burl Bowl 21” x 3” high $600

The rugged textures and the rustic beauty of bark inclusions are highlighted in this platter.

Big Leaf Maple Burl Platter 14.5” x 3” high $500

A simple Maple salad bowl has beautiful figuring and a food-safe finish.

Figured Maple Bowl 12.25” x 2.5” high $150

I have sanded and finished a large number of Burl Charcuterie Boards. They are made of many types of wood and range in price from $125 to $200. This Cedar Burl Board is $125. All of my hand turned knives are $45.

A live bark edge on a burl enhances the bowl when it is maintained while turning.
Big Leaf Maple Burl Bowl 10” x 3” high $250

I have many bowls and platters on the lathe and in different stages of production. Each day it is a pleasure to work in the studio and make pieces that will one day be used and admired by others.