Raw Edge Sugar Maple Bowl

 

 

 

Sugar Maple is a hardwood maple tree, with deeply furrowed dark bark, found throughout Ontario.  We all love this tree for the vivid orange and red leafy splendor of autumn colour and the joy of pouring maple syrup on our pancakes. 

 

Brian mounted this large sugar maple burl on the lathe, shaping the bottom with the gouge to form graceful, fluted wings.

 



 

Attaching a chuck to the bottom, Brian removed the faceplate and turned the inside of the bowl.  It revealed distinctive bark inclusions, colour variations and figuring.  After the process of sanding, oiling and polishing, the bowl is finished. This prized bowl, with its rough, raw edge and unique, swirling grain patterns has a fine smooth finish.

 

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

 

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

A maple burl before turning

Burls, with their rough edges, bark inclusions, cracks and irregular surfaces, appeal to people who love rugged contrasts in nature.  It is always interesting to see visitors to Brian's studio as they gravitate to different styles of wood.  Some prefer smooth surfaces while others are immediately drawn to the tactile dimensions of burls.

The woman who recently purchased this sugar maple burl bowl knew that it would sit perfectly on her kitchen island.  She was excited about serving fruit or cheese and crackers on the the bowl and the visual introduction of natural, organic textures to her city home.

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

Summit Centre Exhibit: Box Elder Burl Bowl

Box Elder is a species of maple native to North America which is known for its distinctive reddish streaks of colour. Brian never knows what to expect when he begins to turn a burl on the lathe. The swirling bark inclusions and variations in colour and texture make this a unique and striking bowl.

Box Elder Burl Bowl

For more information about the Artists of the Limberlost Exhibit at the Huntsville Summit Centre until April 15:

http://www.artistsofthelimberlost.ca/press.html?todo=viewnews&newsid=93



Maple Burl Bowl

The story behind the bowl is always interesting.  Last fall friends dropped by with an enormous maple burl which they found in the forest of their hunt camp. It had been left behind when a fallen tree was cut up for wood.

It took a lot of muscle to get this burl off the trailer and into the workshop.  It measured 20 inches across with irregular and distinctive knobs and protuberances.



After studying the burl, Brian decided to make a bowl which was narrower at the bottom and fluted up to dramatic wings.  He needed strength and stamina as well as artistic knowledge of wood to discover the beauty within such a large burl.

 



Brian mounted the burl on the lathe and shaped the top and bottom of the burl with his gouges.  He never knows what the interior of the burl will reveal until it is exposed.  The cracks, bark inclusions and variations of colour and grain resulted in the raw beauty of this burl. 

Multiple coats of a special blend of food-safe oil were applied while on it was on the lathe and allowed to dry.  After a week, the bottom of the bowl was turned off and finished.



This unique creation began as a discarded piece of wood and with Brian's skill as a woodturner, has been transformed into a stunning maple burl bowl.  The wild and rugged landscape of the bush is visible in its smooth surface and for our friends it is a lasting reminder of their forest and camp.