Wood is a unique medium for an artist -- a tree was once a living thing of beauty. A wood artist has the opportunity to transform the once-living wood into something uniquely different that retains its beauty for generations to come.
Small, highly decorated pieces are decorated through the use of an ornamental lathe. Ornamental turning was once called the "hobby of nobility" because of the cost of the complex machinery required. Recent advances in technology have allowed ornamental turning to become more popular with woodworkers.
Segmented sculptures are made from pieces of various woods assembled together. Smooth curves are the result of sections being turned on the lathe prior to assembly. A "ribbon sculpture" resembles a thin ribbon of wood that twists and winds into a closed shape.
Hollow forms are turned on a lathe from a solid piece of wood or from a number of segments of wood. Many of the shapes are inspired by fine Native American pottery of the Southwest. Natural burl edges and natural voids in the wood are part of the artistic design of the pieces.
Bill is a second generation wood-turner and learned basic woodworking techniques from his father. Even as a young man, his desire was to envision and create new things. This led him to his first career in engineering, and now he has returned to his roots as a woodworker in his shop north of Prescott, Arizona.
Bill is now mostly retired from woodworking. The information on this web site will hopefully provide inspiration for future woodworkers. Active interests now include playing music on the harp and making enameled jewelry.
