MAST Exhibit: Maple Burl Bowl

Burls, or the odd bumps on the side of a tree, are highly prized by wood turners.  Brian works with the natural shape of the burl to create a unique and unusual bowl.

Turning the burl on the lathe uncovers the intertwining dark heartwood, the lighter sapwood and the bark deep within the burl.  The final form is revealed after turning, sanding, buffing and polishing, with beautiful results.

This maple burl bowl is on display at the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour exhibit at the Summit Centre until July 16th, 2012.  For more information go to:

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com

Yellow Birch Burl-From Burl to Bowl

The process of making a bowl is most rewarding when it begins with cutting the burl from the tree.  A call from a woman in Novar about a dead yellow birch tree with an enormous burl on it was followed up with Brian's visit with the chainsaw.  This 3 foot section is just part of the total burl.



The burl was too large to turn on the inner section of the lathe so after the faceplate was attached, it was mounted on the outboard side of the lathe.  It weighed about 100 pounds.

With a very sharp gouge, Brian turned off the outer bark and shaped the bottom of the bowl.

The figuring and spalting of the bowl was revealed as it was shaped and buffed.

Burls are irregular growths that naturally occur on trees with variations in colour, grain and bark inclusions.  Brian turned the inside of the bowl, buffed it and gave it many coats of a food-safe finish.



Yellow Birch Burl Bowl

The finished yellow birch bowl is exceptional with a natural edge, beautiful figuring and a graceful shape.  The original owners of the tree visited Brian's workshop and decided that it must return to their home.  Their excitement as they left the workshop with the finished bowl was satisfying as they could truly appreciate the process from burl to bowl.

MAST Exhibit Opening Reception

You are invited to the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour opening reception at the Summit Centre on Friday, April 27, 5:00 to 6:30.  The artists will be present with a display of their most recent work.  The show runs until July 16 in the building's main entrance and in the artium overlooking the foyer. 

This exhibit is a preview of the art you can see during the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour this fall on September 22, 23 and 29, 30 from 10 am to 6 pm.

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour Exhibit at the Summit Centre

Today was set-up day for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour exhibit at the Summit Centre in Huntsville.  It was exciting to see the show come together as the different art forms were hung on the walls and in the display cases.

Here is Brian's walnut burl bowl with Susan Higgin's fused glass, Eric Lindgren's pottery, Marnie Martin's woven scarf and Jon Partridges's pottery.  The mix of colour, texture and medium make a beautiful display.

The show runs from April 17 to July 16, 2012.  For more information on MAST, go to:

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com

Summit Centre Exhibit: Big Leaf Maple Burl Platter

Brian has many sources of burls.  Neighbours, friends and loggers call Brian when they find a burl on their property or in the forest.  Some people commission Brian to turn their burl so that a dead tree which is lost becomes a permanent piece of art in their home or a bowl for their kitchen. 

Other burls are purchased by Brian, especially more exotic or rare burls which are found in other parts of Canada or the world.  This big leaf maple burl platter was made from a western-Canadian burl that Brian purchased from his wood supplier.  The burl was extremely large so it was cut into slabs.  Brian has made a number of platters and a table from this burl, each with their own distinctive profile and rough edge.

Big Leaf Maple Burl Platter

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

http://www.artistsofthelimberlost.ca/press.html?

Summit Centre Exhibit: Silver Maple Burl Bowl

The rugged landscapes of Muskoka are evident in the beauty of a finished burl.  Brian intuitive approach to a burl begins when it is dry and ready to be turned on the lathe.  Nature's creation resulted in this extraordinary maple bowl which is distinctive for its lacy bark edge, graceful shape and rich colour.

Silver Maple 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



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