Foster’s Beauties
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When I started learning to turn on the lathe, I found that while I enjoyed the process, the outcome was limited by the pieces of available wood for shape, size and colors. When I discovered segmented woodturning, the doors of possibility opened wide. I combine various woods, especially figured and often locally sourced woods, into shapes and combinations that offer endless possibility. I choose shapes and sizes for the end form that may be influenced by a particular piece of wood, but are open to combinations of color, figure, and size not achievable by any single piece of wood.

Every piece I make is as unique as the trees the wood comes from. They start with a sketch of the finished shape, including creating the lines and curves that will be on the outside. Next comes the math as I calculate how to cut the wood to create the design. The pieces are cut and assembled, then turned on the lathe to shape. I finish the piece to a glossy shine with lacquer.

While my focus is usually on highlighting the beautiful, natural colors of wood, I have recently added a collection of colorful functional vases to my lineup. They are segmented vessels made of tiger maple wood and come with a glass insert so the buyer can use the vase to display real flowers in water without damaging the wood. After the vase is made and finish sanded, they are hand dyed individually using alcohol-based dyes that are UV-resistant and designed for use on wood. I only make these using tiger maple because I love the way the dramatic grain shows through the dyes. These vases are also finished to a glossy shine with lacquer, and are often mistaken for glass or ceramic from a distance.