Reclaimed Elm Bowls

Brian had an unusual request for a commission recently that resulted in two beautiful bowls. Jack wanted to give his grandson a special gift for his wedding that would remind him of good times at the cottage.  He brought Brian pieces of a log which had rested by the dock for over 50 years and was used to tie up the boat. 

Until he cut into the log, Brian was not sure of the species of the wood.  Pine would be common but when he started to turn the piece, it was elm.  Elm is a dying breed of tree because of Dutch Elm Disease and it is prized for its variations in colour and grain.

Brian was able to keep a raw edge on one of the bowls to accentuate the richness in colour and texture.  Jack reported that his grandson was touched by a wedding gift that would bring back happy memories of the cottage, boating and their lake.

Autumn Splendor in Muskoka



We had hundreds of people in our workshop during the Musoka Autumn Studio Tour and despite predictions of rainy, cold weather, it was a perfect fall weekend.  Our guests enjoyed seeing Brian's new bowls and platters, and had an opportunity to ask questions and watch Brian demonstrate the art of wood-turning.

Now we will enjoy our beautiful autumn with hikes in the forest, the Algonquin Park colours and the mist rising from the lake as we sit on our dock.

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour- We Are Ready!

This weekend is the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and we are ready!  Mother Nature has done her work and the trees are turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.  It should be a perfect weekend to explore Muskoka and visit the artist studios.  September 24 and 25, 10:00 to 6:00.

http://www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com/

Take a virtual tour of Limberlost Woodturning and see Brian's skill as a woodturner.

Three Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour Artists

The Limberlost area, near Huntsville, has three artists who are opening their studios for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour: Susan Higgins, fused glass artist; Catherine O'Mara, painter; and Brian Markham, woodturner.

You are invited to visit on September 24 and 25, 10:00 am to 6:00.







Susan Higgins will welcome you into her scenic lakeside studio.  Her colourful art glass protrays natural themes using the ancient technique of fused glass. 

Glasses are cut, composed in layers and melted together in a kiln to create inventive effects in original bowls, platters and window panels.

 This beautiful platter is called Autumn Light.

Meet Catherine O'Mara in her Limberlost Studio with its lovely garden cottage. 

Learn about the ancient medium of egg tempera.

Catherine has been working on a birch series using a Renaissance techique called Pastiglia. This creates a textured and raised effect with stunning results.  You have the sense that you can step into the forest.

Visit Limberlost Woodturning on Rebecca Lake where you can see Brian Markham creating unique wooden bowls and platters in his workshop.

Brian has been experimenting with different shapes as he follows the natural contour of the burl to reveal the variations of colour and grain within.

This is a studio where you are welcome to touch and explore the warmth and beauty of each piece.

Yellow Birch Burl Bowl

For the details of all 26 artisits on the studio tour go to:

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com

See the Artists' at Work in their Studios

The nights have been cold and the days sunny so next week should have a magnificant display of autumn leaves for all who participate in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour.  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artists' studios, and see the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays.  See how a bowl is made as Brian turns it on the lathe.

 

York Gum Eucalyptus Burl Platter

Join us on September 24 and 25, 10:00 to 6:00 and see the many beautiful bowls and platters that Brian has created in his workshop.



Maple Burl Bowl with Live Edge

Getting Ready for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

Tamarind Branch Platter

Twelve days to go before we open the workshop for the "Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour".  Twenty-six diversely talented artists will give you a glimpse into their studios where raw materials are transformed into superb art pieces. Join us on September 24th and 25th for the tour.

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com



Raw edge bowls of Russian Olive, Mulberry, Black Cherry

Brian has a large number of bowls and platters ready for the show so he has had fun making smaller raw edge bowls from unique and highly figured wood. 

He has been experimenting with Russian Olive, Mulberry and Black Cherry.



 

Figured Maple and Onyx Platter


We were finally able to obtain onyx from India after a two year wait for delivery.  These beautiful tiles have layers and bands of colour which range from cream to green to rust. 

Brian made a few new figured maple platters with an onyx centre.  Very popular and versatile, they are purchased as soon as people see them.

Brian has a week of production on the lathe before we begin the transformation from dusty workshop full of wood shavings to an open studio, ready to welcome our guests.  Lots of work ahead!

Continuous Present at The Art Space

HUNTSVILLE ART SOCIETY

CONTINUOUS PRESENT – Inspired by Gertrude Stein

"Continuous Present" is a dimension where each frame of memory is layered onto the present, making every experience unique and extended into space and time.

A burl is the tree's continuous present, the natural destuction of the linear model, chaotic and out of control.



"Continuous Chaos"
Yellow Birch Burl Bowl





Brian has entered this yellow birch burl bowl in The Art Space show from September 2nd to October 2nd.  For more information about the show:

http://www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca/continuous-present.html