SW Style Mesquite HF

[Steve Schlumpf]

This is the large chunk of Mesquite I received from Kathy Marshall in this gloat thread (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?168458-Surprise-Bandit-Struck-Again%21%21%21&highlight=). Thanks Kathy!! Finished form is 8 3/4” diameter x 4 5/8” high x a little more than 1/8” thick. Sanded to 400 grit, it was finished with wipe-on poly and Renaissance wax.

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As always, your comments, opinions and critiques are welcomed!

Thanks for looking!

[Jason Clark2]

Very nice Steve, one thing you might consider in the future (provided Kathy sends you some more Mesquite) is orienting the piece the other way. That way the sapwood can be highlighted surrounding the opening rather than hidden on the bottom.

Jason

[Roland Martin]

That is an exceptional form, Steve. I really like the shape of this one and the mesquite & finish are great. Contrary to Jason's thoughts, (sorry Jason) I really like the way the grain follows the curvature of trhe form. A very fine piece indeed!!!.

[Harvey Ghesser]

Another beauty, Steve! I always look forward to your next piece.

[Doug W Swanson]

Nice work, Steve! You sure have the SW stuff down!

[Robert McGowen]

Very nice, Steve. I always enjoy turning mesquite. Just wish my forms turned out as nice as yours.

[robert raess]

I like pic no. 2. Excellent form.what tools and /or systems did you use for hollowing?did you use a swan neck to get under the shoulder?
One of my favorite shapes. Rob

[Dan Forman]

Very nice Steve. Do you twice turn mesquite, which I hear is very stable as it dries?

Dan

[Roger Chandler]

Another beauty, Steve............gotta love that mesquite wood!

[Scott Hackler]

Very nice Steve. That shape has a definite "need to hold it" factor. I would imagine that is from the SW influence where all of the pottery was utilitarian and, of course, held on a regular basis is the reason behind this feeling.

[Ken Glass]

Steve,
Another of your signature pieces. This one is nice and who doesn't like turning Mesquite. Great form and finish as always.

[John Keeton]

Classic Schlumpf!! Love the wood, and the form is very proportioned and balanced.

[Bill Bolen]

Fine piece Steve. I really admire the grain in this one. Jumps out at you without being overpowering. Guess I better start looking around for some Mesquite.

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Excellent form Steve. I think it has a wonderful organic look to it.

[Brian Effinger]

A really good looking piece, Steve. My only critique though is along the lines of Jason's - I'd like to see the sap wood around the opening. Of course, I can see why you chose to put it on the bottom. That is some nice grain that needs to be the center of attention.

[Kathy Marshall]

Beautiful piece Steve! I just knew you would do that piece proud! Is that a little bit of curl I see in pic 3? One of the salad bowls I just did had just a tiny bit of curl in it, boy would I love to find a piece full of curl!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Thanks for the kind words everyone - I do appreciate it!

Kathy - you are right - there is lots of curl running through one half of the form. Beautiful stuff and looks even better in person!

Also, the wood was orientated so that the sap wood would be on the bottom this time - for a couple of reasons. One, because the sapwood was very soft and I figured that most of it would be turned away anyway. Second was to show off the rich grain and curl as much as possible. Much rather have the curl grab the attention but it is a personal call each time you turn something.

Thanks again!

[Michelle Rich]

seeing your work is always a delight. this form is screaming "soft, oh so soft..pick me up..& rub my belly!!! " (ok I've lived with dogs too long!) but it does appear soft and I do want to hold it & feel the softness...

[Alan Trout]

Steve,

Nice piece and nice piece of wood.

Alan

[Steve Campbell]

Great looking piece there Steve. You seem to have a pretty good grip on the SW style. I love the grain and color.

Steve

[Bernie Weishapl]

Beautiful piece Steve. Love the SW form.