Synopses & Reviews
New Masters of Woodturning~ MEET THIRTY-ONE CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF A CLASSIC CRAFT. They are from different parts of the world but share a common passion: turning wood into sculptural forms of self-expression. In this groundbreaking book, thirty-one innovative artists-the New Masters of Woodturning-share their amazing turning techniques and the inspiration that fuels their distinctive designs. You'll see each artist at work-in their studios, homes, and at the lathe-and discover why their stunning work is considered to be preeminent in the respective fields of woodturning and modern art. A gallery of beautiful photographs displaying breathtaking vessels, bowls, platters, and more-many of which have never been published-accompanies each profile. New Masters of Woodtruning looks beyond the surface of the wood and into the vision and mind of the artist, providing insights that offer a captivating and important perspective of turn-of-the-century art and craft. Featuring a global roster: AUSTRALIA~Vaughn Richmond * Neil Scobie CANADA~ Michael Hosaluk * Stephen Kennard * Marilyn Campbell ENGLAND~ Louise Hibbert * Hayley Smith FRANCE ~Alain Mailland * Theirry Martenon *Christophe Nancey * Marc Ricourt GERMANY ~Peter Hromek * Hans Weissflog IRELAND~ Liam Flynn NEW ZEALAND~ Rolly Munro * Graeme Priddle SOUTH AFRICA ~ Butch Smuts UNITED STATES ~ Virginia Dotson * Harvey Fein * J. Paul Fennell * Ron Fleming * Mark Gardner * Dewey Garrett * Ron Layport * Michael Lee * Michael Mode * William Moore * Binh Pho * Betty Scarpino * Betty Scarpino * David Sengel * Jacques Vesery
Review
The portraits of these wood artists and the glimpses into their lives make this wonderful publication the most beautiful book on turning in recent years. --Drechsler Magazin "(Germany)"
New Masters of Woodturning - Expanding the Boundaries of Wood Art is a valuable reference and a delight to read. The writing is straightforward and clear and it brings to life the artists who are blazing new trails for wood turners of all levels of ability.- Woodturning Center, Philadelphia, PA This book showcases 31 different artists who redefined the limits of shaped wood. Each artist shares their personal motivations, thought processes and the studio techniques employed to bring out the breath-taking beauty of wood. Artists featured include Binh Pho, J. Paul Fennell, and Marilyn Campbell. This beautiful book, written by Kevin Wallace, is sure to become a treasure in every woodturning library. - Woodturning Magazine, United Kingdom Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace tell the stories of 31 international artists in New Masters of Woodturning: Expanding the Boundaries of Wood Art. Individual profiles explore the technical and creative aspects of the artists' mostly sculptural work, along with their experiences, styles and studio techniques. The introduction gives a historical overview of the wood turning movement, making it a must-have resource. - American Style Magazine This book looks beyond the surface of the wood and into the vision and mind of the artist. - The Crafts Report I think it is cool the way the book introduces the reader to the artists by showing some of them in their shops or homes and by learning about their inspirations, philosophies and approaches to woodturning and sculpture. The book provides a gallery of photographs showing really neat vessels, bowls, platters and more. - Fine Woodworking The color photographs are of the high technical and aesthetic quality appropriate for an art book. - Book News Excellent book which I think could be great for everyone interested in contemporary woodturning as well as artists in different mediums. - Petteri Leppikallio's Blog This just-published book is a treasure that we believe you will want to own. - Woodturning Online LLC Each featured piece encourages crafters to find new ways of connecting with their own creative channels and makes this book an important document of the modern craft. - Turning Points This is an amazing collection that will inspire many a wood turner and is a “must have” for any woodworkers’ library. - Shortcuts It isn't often that I sit down and read a new book from cover to cover in one evening. However, this is what happened when I picked up New Master Woodturners. Perhaps I am a dinosaur in the contemporary woodturning field in that I am still drawn to and prefer unadorned and un-manipulated forms and turnings where functionality is still important. However, I recognize that things are changing and I can respect that. New Masters of Woodturning is recommended to every turner who even has a passing interest in new trends and for those who are looking for new inspirations. Just the photographs of current works and those depicting the artist at work alone justify purchase. -Woodturning Design Magazine
Review
In 1985, Dale Nish published 'Master Woodturners' to celebrate the innovative leaders of the field. Authors Martin and Wallace have jumped ahead a generation to showcase new artists, new technologies and new works of art. From Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States, thirty-one wood artists show their finest efforts and talk freely about influences, design ideas, lifestyles and where they are headed in the future. Much of this new work is highly sculptural, but as Ron Layport puts it, "The turned form must be valid before I proceed with sculpting." In the Introduction, the authors say, "Much of the wood art in this book inverts the truism that turned work is round. The lathe is merely the beginning, with additional off-lathe processing to come." The technical challenge in producing these works is amazing. Several turners show a series of photos on how they work: hollowing on three axes using wedges and straps to mount an irregular burl, or steaming and bending turned work over a curved form.
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This is an amazing collection that will inspire many a wood turner and is a "must have" for any woodworkers' library.
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The depth, texture, and sensuality of wood in the hands of artists transforms our static notions of wood in this book. As you would desire to hold, to stroke, to peer into and through each piece in this volume, you will also return many times to this book to discover new meanings for "resonance" and "movement." If this book was a food, it could be toasted artisan bread with ivy honey and melting butter.
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BOOK
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NEW MASTERS OF WOODTURNING Expanding the Boundaries of Woodturning Joseph M. Herrmann 1882 St. Rt. 45, No. Rock Creek, Ohio 44084 440-563-5785
[email protected] Review
31 contemporary woodturning artists from around the globe are featured in New Masters of Woodturning. The book highlights their works and offers a look at some of their techniques. I think it is cool the way the book introduces the reader to the artists by showing some of them in their shops or homes and by learning about their inspirations, philosophies and approaches to woodturning and sculpture. The book provides a gallery of photographs showing really neat vessels, bowls, platters and more.
Review
New masters of woodturning; expanding the boundaries of wood art. Martin, Terry and Kevin Wallace. Fox Chapel Publishing, 2008 197 p. $29.95 TT201978-1-56523-334-8 Himself a wood artist, Martin is also a curator and commentator on the art, while Wallace is a curator and writer with a broader portfolio of contemporary art in craft media. They profile 31 contemporary artists and their work from Europe, North America, Oceania, and South Africa. The color photographs are of the high technical and aesthetic quality appropriate for an art book. There is no index. (Annotation 2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Review
In this upcoming collection of furniture pieces that have redefined the limits of shaped wood, crafters and designers alike are treated to a wealth of knowledge from 31 leading wood artists who share their personal motivations, thought processes, and the studio techniques employed to bring out the breath-taking beauty of wood. Contemporary artists such as Virginia Dodson, Binh Pho, Harvey Fein, Paul Fennell, and Marilyn Campbell are among those whose works are given studio-quality photographic treatment. Each featured piece encourages crafters to find new ways of connecting with their own creative channels and makes this book an important document of the modern craft. -Judson Randall of Oregon, professional editor of Wood Turning Center publications, with more than 40 years of newspaper experience. Book available at www.woodturningcenter.org/shop/ or call 215.923.8000.
Review
Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace tell the stories of 31 international artists in New Masters of Woodturning: Expanding the Boundaries of Wood Art (Fox Chapel Publishing, $29.95). Individual profiles explore the technical and creative aspects of the artists' mostly sculptural work, along with their experiences, styles and studio techniques. The introduction gives a historical overview of the wood turning movement, making it a must-have resource.
Review
New Masters of Woodturning is an awesome source of inspiration showing really great artwork around the world. Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace really have succeeded in selecting some masters of contemporary woodturning of this time. Excellent book which I think could be great for everyone interested in contemporary woodturning as well as artists in different mediums.
Review
"New Masters of Woodturning - Expanding the boundaries of art" A review By Judson Randall In the introduction to their new book "New Masters of Woodturning," an extraordinary compendium of sketches of wood-turning artists, authors Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace say they are inspired by and appreciative of the "willingness of everyone to share their ideas, techniques and joy in what they do." Now we, the viewers, writers, collectors, curators, students and makers involved in the lathe-turned art field should feel appreciation and inspiration because of how Martin and Wallace have provided contemporary detail and insight into these 31 international artists and their work. Martin, of Brisbane, Australia, is a turner and sculptor whose work has been in scores of exhibitions and in dozens of collections, public and private. He is a curator, lecturer and writer involved in the field over many years. His 1995 book, "Wood Dreaming," is the only documentation of Australian woodturners. Until 2006, he was a writer for and editor of "Turning Points," the Wood Turning Center's unique journal of the lathe-turned art field. Wallace of Los Angeles is a board of directors member of Collectors of Wood Art and an advisory board member for the Handweavers Guild of America. A curator of many California exhibitions and a writer on the contemporary art field, Wallace is the author of seven previous books, including biographical expositions of artists and examinations of trends in contemporary craft art. He was associated with del Mano Gallery in Pasadena for many years. Their book picks up where previous chroniclers of artistic woodturning - Dona Z. Meilach in 1976, Dale Nish in 1985 and the growing coverage of the field by "Fine Woodworking" -- left off. Today, there are several publications that cover the lathe-turned art field, including the American magazine "Woodwork", the "American Woodturner", and the Wood Turning Center's "Turning Points" as well as its exhibition books documenting its breakthrough "challenges" and other exhibitions. However, "New Masters" is a singular catalog of the lives, educations, artistic approaches and techniques of a broad international selection of the artists who will do for the 21st century what the old masters did for the 20th. Martin and Wallace pay tribute to the founders of the modern lathe-turning field, including David Ellsworth, Stephen Hogbin, Bob Stocksdale, James Prestini, Mark Lindquist, Ed Moulthrop, Rude Osolnick, Al Stirt, Ray Key and Richard Raffan. As a testament to their energy and scope, the authors cast a broad net, bringing in the artists from nine countries on the continents of North America, Europe, Africa and Australia. Each of these artists' works is not just representative of his or her country but examples of the cultural influences of the continent or region in which they make art. For example, Virginia Dotson, whose laminated and layered works reflect her Arizona domain. "I am intrigued by the features of the landscape and what they reveal about the past," she said. "New Masters" is lavishly illustrated with photographs of the artists, their surroundings, their shops, and selected studio photographs of their works, as well as explanatory photographs of many of their techniques. The photographs are either supplied by the artists or shot by a variety of other photographers. Among the expository technical photographic layouts is the illustrative sequence on how Peter Hromek, a Czech who moved to Germany, created the multiple-axis "Paradise," a sensual three-lobed work, in 2007. We readers are treated to Martin's and Wallace's explorations of many aspects of the artists included in this catalog of the "New Masters." We learn, for example, what inspires the makers and how they came to engage in their artistic pursuits: To take one, we learn that William Moore, an Oregon artist who combines spun metal with his wood forms and sculptures, is one of few art-school- educated turners. A sculptor by education, he was inspired by Henry Moore and design movements such as Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Bauhaus. And Michael Hosaluk of Saskatchewan, Canada, describes his beginnings as: "I was born among people who use their hands." His inspirations, we learn, include the "art of unknown artists from ancient cultures whose work lives on in museums." A second exploration that Martin and Wallace bring to us is the artists' current approaches to their works, what informs their expressive intent and their way of carrying it out. For example, Ron Layport of Pittsburgh, who, like Hosaluk, is inspired by "works made a thousand years ago that speak of personal struggle, daily life, mystery and ceremony," tells the authors that he approaches his highly sculptural works "like a canvas. Even though I know what I am hoping to achieve, I try to be receptive to opportunities and changes of direction as they present themselves." And yet, we are told about Hayley Smith's approach to her intricately textured and surface-sculpted works: The Arizona artist who spent most of her life in Wales, told Martin and Wallace - referring to wood -- that "I like the challenge of finding the balance between its existing character and what I can add to it. It is, after all, not a blank canvas." The third exploration that Martin and Wallace share with us readers is the artists' techniques for achieving their completed work. Many viewers of lathe-turned art, which can often hide its lathe-turned origins, look at a sculpture and say to themselves, "How did she do that?" Practitioners and hangers-on in the lathe-turned art world always want to discern the processes that lead to the expression, even though the artists might want the final product to be the only voice speaking. The significant achievement of "New Masters of Woodturning" is that, in many cases, it exposes the tricks and techniques that produced the final, resolved work. Besides the sidebar layout of Peter Hromek's creation of "Paradise," the book gives us, for example, an explanation of how Louise Hibbert, a British artist who now lives in Virginia, achieves her expression of natural beauty in a piece that comes to be the balance and form of an apparent seed pod. On the whole, "New Masters of Woodturning - Expanding the Boundaries of Wood Art" is a valuable reference and a delight to read. The writing is straight-forward and clear and it brings to life the artists who are blazing new trails for wood turners of all levels of ability. The book also includes a glossary, a list of wood turning organizations, and a list of further readings. Judson Randall of Oregon is a professional editor and writer with more than 40 years experience on newspapers and is editor of Wood Turning Center publications.
Review
This just published book is a treasure that we believe you will want to own. The authors have selected 31 leading woodturning artists and bring you into their studios where they share techniques and the creative processes behind their deisgns. Artists such as Virginia Dodson, Binh Pho, Harvey Fein, Paul Fennell, and Marilyn Campbell are among those whose works are given studio-quality photographic treatment. It is a large format book (8 1/2' x 11") with a wealth of stunning full color inmages.
Review
This book showcases 31 different artists who redefined the limits of shaped wood. Each artist shares their personal motivations, thought processes and the studio techniques employed to bring out the breath-taking beauty of wood. Artists featured include Binh Pho, J. Paul Fennell, and Marilyn Campbell. This beautiful book, written by Kevin Wallace, is sure to become a treasure in every woodturning library.
Review
(translation) In NMWT two people who are profoundly knowledgable about the field lead us on a journey.... It makes you want to turn: it creates the desire and mood to set free your own creativity without the need to look back at the limits of conventional turning. There are many technical books available about turning today, but just as important is a feeling for form, structure and color. For those with less English, we can thank the rich photos...... The people behind the work are also described and through glimpses into their workshops and methods we learn more .... The authors show us that turning today can be much more than the form of a spinning piece of wood .... For me, the portraits of these wood artists and the glimpses into their lives make this wonderful publication the most beautiful book on turning in recent years.
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Book Picks by the Editors New Masters of Woodturning A collection of groundbreaking work from 31 masters including noted Canadian turners Michael Hosaluk, Stephen Kennard and Marilyn Campbell . Discusses their signature styles and exciting new techniques . Gallery of 396 superb photos . 216 pages, 8 1.2" x 11" .
Review
The woodturner Liam Flynn is the first of 31 artists from ten countries profiled in a new book on contemporary turned wood art. New Masters of Woodturning by Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace features artists who are pushing the boundaries and defining the evolution of woodturning from functionality to art. A brief historical background of each of the different artists provides an insight into their inspirations and philosophies, discusses where they were trained and who were their influences, describes where and how they work, and includes several gallery photographs of current and past works. New Masters of Woodturners introduces the reader to current trends and modern innovations as well as providing a historical perspective on the woodturning movement. The book has been the catalyst for a series of exhibitions featuring the artists in the book. The first is to be held in Minnesota in June 2008, with a further exhibition planned for Canberra, Australia, 2009, and an exhibition that will travel to Europe under development for 2009-2010.
Synopsis
In this unique collection of artistic pieces that have redefined the limits of shaped wood, crafters and designers alike are treated to a wealth of knowledge from 31 leading artists who share their personal motivations, thought processes, and the studio techniques employed to bring out the breathtaking beauty of wood. Contemporary artists such as Virginia Dodson, Binh Pho, Harvey Fein, Paul Fennell, and Marilyn Campbell are among those whose works are given studio-quality photographic treatment. Each featured piece encourages crafters to find new ways of connecting with their own creative channels and makes this book an important document of the modern craft. Sure to become a treasure in every woodworking library. Kevin Wallace is an independent curator who has worked with the Los Angeles Departments of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles. He is the author of Transforming Vision: The Wood Sculpture of William Hunter and River of Destiny: The Life and Art of Binh Pho. Terry Martin is a practicing wood artist and the author of Wood Dreaming. He is a former editor of Turning Points-the only journal dedicated solely to wood art-who has written more than 200 articles for 12 journals in seven countries.
Synopsis
MEET THIRTY-ONE CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF A CLASSIC CRAFT.They are from different parts of the world but share a common passion: turning wood into sculptural forms of self-expression. You'll see each artist at work--in their studios, homes, and at the lathe--and discover why their stunning work is considered to be preeminent in the respective fields of woodtruning and modern art. A gallery of beautiful photographs is included. New Masters of Woodturning looks beyond the surface of the wood and into the vision and mind of the artist, providing insights that offer a captivating and important perspective of turn-of-the-century art and craft.
About the Author
Kevin Wallace is an independent curator and writer, focusing on contemporary art in craft media. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Collectors of Wood Art and on the Advisory Board of the Handweavers Guild of America. He is a contributing editor for "American Woodturner" and "Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot" and a regular contributor to "Craft Arts International" (Australia) and "Woodturning" magazine (England), writing about contemporary art in craft media (wood, ceramic, and fiber) and wood artists. Wallace is the author of seven previous books.Terry Martin is a wood artist, curator, and commentator on wood art. During the last twenty years, he has taken part in 80 exhibitions in seven countries and his work is part of many of the large private and public collections devoted to wood art. Martin is the author of "Wood Dreaming," published in 1995, the only book ever produced on Australian woodturning. From 1999 to 2006, Martin was editor-in-chief of the woodturning journal "Turning Points," the only journal dedicated solely to wood art, and is currently a contributing editor to "Woodwork" magazine. Martin has written more than 200 articles on wood art published in twelve journals in seven countries.
Table of Contents
CONTENTS Introduction viii Liam Flynn: Striving to Find the Perfect Line 1 Hayley Smith: Ideas Evolve and Flow into the Next Piece 7 J. Paul Fennell: Technical and Creative Challenges Are Always Mingled 13 Harvey Fein: Consider Texture, Pattern, and Inclusions 19 Butch SMuts: Keeping It Simple Is the Best Investment 25 Ron Fleming: More Ideas Than I Can Ever Produce 31 Peter Hromek: You Find These Shapes Everywhere in Nature 37 William Moore: The Contrasting Relationships of Wood and Metal 45 Vaughn Richmond: Technical Challenges Are the Most Exciting 51 Rolly Munro: The Lathe Creates Armature for Major Sculptural Work 57 Hans Weissflog: Totally Focused While Turning 63 Jacques Vesery: When I Get in a Groove, Watch Out 69 Michael Hosaluk: I'm Not Afraid to Venture Out of My Comfort Zone 75 Michael Mode: The Intimate Interplay of Idea, Hand and Eye 81 Dewey Garrett: The Lathe Places a Limit, Yet Offers Endless Possibilities 89 Betty Scarpino: It's Like Discovering Hidden Treasure 97 Christophe Nancey: A Symbolic Picture of the Living Process 103 Virginia Dotson: Shaping Layered Wood Reveals Compositions of Patterns 109 Ron Layport: Surface Work Will Not Cover Up Poor Form 115 Neil Scobvie: Thinking of Running Water 121 Mark Gardner: Drawn to the Rhythm of Repeated Carved Patterns 127 Marilyn Campbell: Pushing the Designs While Keeping Them Simple 133 Steven Kennard: Technique Is Important, But Secondary to Getting There 139 Louise Hibbert: The Lathe Gives My Work Rhythm and Balance 145 Thierry Martenon: It's Good to Work with Almost Nothing 151 Graeme Priddle: Pacific Island Culture and the Ocean's Beauty 157 Binh Pho: Stories Told with Color 163 Marc Ricourt: The Vessel Was Mankind's First Tool 169 Mike Lee: Wood Is a Joy To Work or My Worst Nightmare 177 Alain Mailland: There Is No Limit to the Forms I Can Make 181 David Sengel: Much Yet to Do with the Lathe 189 Glossary 194 List of Organizations 195 Further Reading 196