A couple of turnings

Re: A couple of turnings

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Doug these look very nice.

I always hesitate to provide critique, even when asked, when the turner hasn't first told us what he likes and dislikes about them. I find my own critique is always valid and helpful to have on "paper" and to have it confirmed or denied by my fellow turners. It is too easy to ask other people to tell us what they like and dislike - I learn more by critiquing my own work first - who knows, you may, too.

So...what do YOU like about these things, and what would you do differently next time?

Re: A couple of turnings

Don Henthorn

>I like simple things so I like the oak bowls. Good traditional form with great utility. I also like the covered bowl although the form is a little unusual. I'm not really fond of bowls with larger diameter at the bottom, but can't say I dislike this one. I'm sure others will have better crtique comments. Keep posting.

My own critique

Doug

>Thanks Mike -- My own critique as follows.

I like the larger oak bowl but the smaller vessel needs a better line from foot to rim. It rises too sharply from foot and bends too abruptly near the top.

The lidded vessel has two or three problems in my view. The line of the vessel should continue in near the rim. The purpleheart rim should have been made to hide the maple on the inside. The lid form rises too steep and bends over too quick - it should have been more rounded. The finial could have been slimmer and shorter.

As you can see I am very critical of myself but am not sure if I am artful enough to understand what should be fixed.

Re: My own critique

Gary Ljostad

>Great self critque. My thoughts also. Maybe a little to hard on the lidded box, I like that one. The large bowl (top left) is my favorite.

Re: My own critique

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Doug, I think you nailed your critique as well as anyone would. I put together my thoughts before reading yours and they gel pretty well together. I like the first bowl, too. If you will be using it for salad or food though, the rim that slopes outward will cause any drips to run down the outside. If it is for display it looks great.

The second bowl suffers in the form - your own critique serves basically to repeat mine.

You should be congratulated for your work on the third piece - a lot of difficult concepts there. I agree with your assessment generally, and would encourage you to work on the finial details a bit more next time. The purpleheart doesn't really do this piece justice, for me anyway. I'd like to see a darker wood like walnut or wenge maybe.

Please keep it up and post more!

Re: A couple of turnings

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Hi Doug,

These look like you have the know how and curiosity to try different things. The hollow lidded piece is really nice. I have found that finials are a creature unto themselves and I have yet to figure out how to make them look good. You're ahead of me in that category. I like the slant on the rim of first bowl too.Like anything, the more you do it the better you get.

Keep turning and keep posting. This site is one of the best at keeping me plugging along and striving to advance my work.

Jennifer

Re: A couple of turnings

JamieDonaldson

>Doug- you are already able to do self- critiques, and that really shortens the learning curve. An eye for and understanding of shape and form is not an inherent skill- it must be developed over time and requires study, which some turners do not ever understand. There is much more to turning than simply learning to turn, and you're well on the way!

Thanks everyone

Doug

>Thanks for your interest. The one oak bowl/vessel that has poor form was one of my first - and it shows. I was apprehensive about the purpleheart on the box and Mike S confirmed my feelings. The good news is that it matches something nearby where my Daughter-in-law has it displayed. She likes it so I am happy.