Can Of Worms

[Keith Burns]

Hopefully this won't turn into one but I'd like to know what others think. My question is what is the definition of "Turning". To me it is taking a block of wood or assembling a bunch of pieces (segmented) or stave assembly or pens, bottle stoppers etc. and turning them on the lathe to a pleasing form and finish. I guess the bottom line to me is the form and finish. Surface decoration, stains, coloring, piercing, and some carving is acceptable but it all starts with the form.

What I seem to be seeing more and more of is Carving being called Turning. To me if you turn a simple shape and then carve it to an unrecognizable shape it's not turning but carving. There is a particular photo in the instant galley from the AAW meeting in Kansas of a mouse. You could make it by carving a piece of wood. Where's the turning? There is one artist that makes beautiful leaves carved out of a bowl. And they are Beautiful ! The problem I have is they are 1/2% turning and 99-1/2% carving and yet they are called turners.

Just curious as to others opinions.

[Keith Nielsen]

Keith,

I'm all for the worms especially when it comes to fishin, but yes I do have to agree with you. Who is to say what percent constitutes a turned object verses a carved object? I have seen entire bowls 50" or larger that where entirely hand carved. I've also seen the most intricate detail on vases, you would think where carved but in fact where 100% turned. Turning is really nothing more than taking a sharp instrument and by passing or gouging it over the surface of an object to aquire the desired shape or form. Funny thing is, that also happens to be the definition of carving. Lets face it there is no more or less artistic effort expended in either skill. I say if you can do it you better off than 50% of the planet because they haven't even tried.

Thanks

Keith N.

[Carole Valentine]

I have been pondering the same thing, Keith. Some of the pieces I have seen certainly qualify as "art" but their time on the lathe is definitely miniscule. Although in some cases, such as Andi Wolfe, I think she has to turn a perfect bowl form before she removes everything that doesn't look like a leaf so I would say that is turning. Her work is beautiful and combines the arts of turning and carving. BUT...where do you draw the line? Seems to me that there were extensive discussions regarding this on both WC and WoW.

[Mike Ramsey]

Could give it a new category...let's see..maybe Turncarver or Carturner?

[Bill Stevener]

I really can't place a definition on, or subject some of the work that is being produced and shown today to a specific category. The majority is outstanding art, and the people creating the same are extrmely talented. However, turn a masterpiece bowl and then enter it in a wood carving contest, and see how far you get?????? :eek:

Just how I see it,

Bill.>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

[Don Baer]

wood·turn·ing http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/JPG/pron.jpg (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fsearch%3 Fr%3D2%26q%3Dwoodturning) ( P ) Pronunciation Key (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/ahd4/pronkey.html) (whttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/oobreve.gifdhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/prime.giftûrhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/lprime.gifnhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/ibreve.gifng)
n.



<DL><DD>The art or process of shaping wood into forms on a lathe</DD></DL>Then I looked up woodcarving and got


wood·carv·ing http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/JPG/pron.jpg (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fsearch%3 Fr%3D2%26q%3Dwoodcarving) ( P ) Pronunciation Key (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/ahd4/pronkey.html) (whttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/oobreve.gifdhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/prime.gifkärhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/lprime.gifvhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/ibreve.gifng)
n.

The art of creating or decorating objects of wood by carving with a sharp hand-held tool.
A carved wood object.


<HR align=left width="25%">so I guess turning can be defined as carving but carving does not necessarily mean turning.

[Bill Stevener]

I guess turning can be defined as carving but carving does not necessarily mean turning.
OK, but once again. Try to enter a turning, in a "wood carving" contest, most will escort you to the door!!!!!!!!

Bill.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

[thomas prevost]

Art is Art.

Do we really care how the artist gets to his/her final product? Mixed media. Do we call a cabinet maker who carves elaborate designs into the doors sides etc, a carver or cabinet maker? or the wood worker who turns legs for a table a turner?

What about the turner who turns plastic pens, or adds metal or stone accents or stains wood. Should they be considered non purist and snubbed also?

Perhaps we should all be considered craftmen and forget about the labels.

Just presenting the fllipside.