Michelle Holzapfel
process
Many forms begin by exploiting the symmetry generated by the lathe—the woodworker’s analog to the potter’s wheel.
left: I use an electric chainsaw to rough out the burl, on which I’ve sketched the outlines of the bowl’s basic form.
right: I create the bowl’s hollow with my lathe (built by my father.) Although meant for metal-work, its compound tool-holder makes it safer and less stressful to my hands than a wood-turning lathe with hand-held cutters.