I turn these natural edge vessels on the lathe. The rim of the vessel is formed by the original surface of the log, not by me. I seek out gnarly old logs that speak to me, and the final vessel is a composition of the log’s character and the form that I create.

The lathe rotates the workpiece against a sharp gouge, which I control with my hands, supported by a tool rest. It is a very smooth and fluid process. Great masses of huge shavings pour off, like curly French fries. A lot of shavings – I clean up with a snow shovel.

I visit firewood piles and rescue logs that I feel an attraction to. A lot of time can go into looking at a log and I make a number of decisions before I pick up my chain saw, but I usually don't decide on the shape of the piece until I have started turning and can see what is inside the blank.