Black Walnut NE bowl

[Ben Werner]

6 in wide, 4 in high, mineral oil then shellac finish. Same piece of wood as what its sitting on. That will eventually become a dish/bowl.
Well I took advice and tried a new photo technique. :D
Critique on both the photos and the piece please, Form and finish. :D

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8474_IMG.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8474_IMG.jpg)http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8479_IMG_2.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8479_IMG_2.jpg)http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8478_IMG_2.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8478_IMG_2.jpg)http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8477_IMG_2.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8477_IMG_2.jpg)http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8476_IMG_2.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8476_IMG_2.jpg)http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/th_184-8484_IMG_2.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h34/benknobi89/ne%20bowls/184-8484_IMG_2.jpg)

[Bernie Weishapl]

Ben that is a beauty. I think if I were doing it I would have thinned the NE down somewhat thinner. That is just me. I like the thin tops. Form looks good as does the finish. Nice job.

[Barry Stratton]

VERY nice end grain bowl. I tried something roughly similar in the Au Natural Contest - you nailed it better than I.

I like the upside down bell shape and the bark on the side of the top. The sides appear a tad straight (?) . Finish is beautiful. Overall a really good piece, the Alaska judge gives you a 9.2

And a question - how'd you avoid "chatter" while hollowing?

[Henry C. Gernhardt, III]

Ben, I personally think you have the form nailed on that one. The curves are smooth and flowing. I will agree with Bernie, however, on the thickness of the NE.

A lovely piece, Ben, you've done the wood proud.

[Ben Werner]

Thanks All

And a question - how'd you avoid "chatter" while hollowing? In answer I just stuck the toolrest in to the bowl so my scraper was never more then like 1 1/2 off of it. I need to be carefull about that cause all I have is a 1/2 in scraper so its bendy and not all that heavy. any critique on the photos, from the photo police??

[Mark Cothren]

Yep, good job Ben. I think you're sanding and finish on this one is looking good. This is a neat-looking bowl.

[Joe Fisher]

Beautiful! Very unique, with the pith at the bottom like that. I was looking at the picture going, "How'd he do that?"

I agree with one of the earlier posters that it would be nicer with thinner walls, but that's just my opinion.

-Joe

[Keith Burns]

Ben, the form and finish are good:) :) I agree it needs to have thinner walls and rim. IMHO I don't care for the composition of the pic. The log is distracting to me. Sometimes props can add to a photo, but with this type of art, it generally does not. Again thats just my opinion. Keep up the good work:) :)

[Jim Becker]

I think it's a fine piece. Playing devil's advocate, this piece works fine in the thickness it is if "primitive" is the intention. I like thin stuff as much as anyone, but also enjoy turned objects that have some heft, too. This one works for me "as-is". Nice job!

Oh, and as you can see, black walnut turned end-grain can have some very nice "chocolate sauce on vanilla" aspects. I know a man who did a whole series of bowls and hollow forms taking advantage of that!