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Thread: Quest For The Perfect Urn

  1. #1
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    Quest For The Perfect Urn

    I guess there's no such thing as a perfect turned piece, is there? You work and re-work and sand and rub and buff and still there's that one tiny aspect of the project -- a tiny blemish, an uneven curve, a finial that's just half an inch too tall -- that keeps you from giving out a loud "eureka" and a jiggy-dance around the shop.

    Well, I've been doing several hollow forms a week for the past couple of years, and I might -- I stress the word might -- have finally produced my perfect hollow form: its very thin-walled, turned from black locust, and features a very white holly finial. Absolutely no finish; just raw wood sanded to 600 grit. The base is just about right (not too thick) and the body-to-finial ration just feels good. IMHO, it's a simple but elegant piece.

    Interested in feedback. Do it now, because in two days I'll decide it's flawed and withdraw my boast.
    Black Locust Urn Holly Finial 1.jpg Black Locust Urn Holly Finial 2.jpg
    Last edited by Russell Neyman; 06-19-2018 at 4:34 PM. Reason: typos!

    Russell Neyman
    .


    Writer - Woodworker - Historian
    Instructor: The Woodturning Experience
    Puget Sound, Washington State


    "Outside of a dog, there's nothing better than a good book; inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

  2. Russell.......just my opinion here, for what its worth. I do sell in galleries and have a number of hollow forms under my belt. I think your form is fine, and your finial is attractive on its own, but proportionally to the hollow form, I think it is way too tall, and the thickness of the finial base is a bit much. A more sweeping and deeper cove would have helped it, but your height is too tall for this form, and it looks out of proportion to me, as it overpowers the main form. I would encourage you to look at John Keeton's website, and John Spitter's work as well. John Spitter sells a good number of hollow forms. Keith Burns has a unique style of finial, but if you look at his height ratio to the forms he puts them on they look more proportional. To me it looks like the finial is trying to compete with the form for attention, when it should compliment the main form.......the eye wants to ignore the form, and that should not be the case.

    The contrast in woods is very good.
    Last edited by Roger Chandler; 06-19-2018 at 3:40 PM.
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  3. #3
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    It would be rude of me to ask for feedback and then argue with the response I get. So I won't. Actually, Roger, the tall, dramatic finial "look" is what I'm going for, and my customers respond well to it (I'm featured in a couple of galleries, too) and I sell quite a few. That upside-down ratio -- usually the urn is twice the size of the finial, not the other way around -- came to pass because I sought a way to differentiate my pieces from the many other artisans here in the Puget Sound area. This seems to have done that.

    Thanks for your thoughtful comment and insights. I respect your work.

    Russell Neyman
    .


    Writer - Woodworker - Historian
    Instructor: The Woodturning Experience
    Puget Sound, Washington State


    "Outside of a dog, there's nothing better than a good book; inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

  4. #4
    I like the shape and the wood ,I like that finial style but on that nut shape I think it's too tall. But the buyer will love it.

  5. Quote Originally Posted by Russell Neyman View Post
    It would be rude of me to ask for feedback and then argue with the response I get. So I won't. Actually, Roger, the tall, dramatic finial "look" is what I'm going for, and my customers respond well to it (I'm featured in a couple of galleries, too) and I sell quite a few. That upside-down ratio -- usually the urn is twice the size of the finial, not the other way around -- came to pass because I sought a way to differentiate my pieces from the many other artisans here in the Puget Sound area. This seems to have done that.

    Thanks for your thoughtful comment and insights. I respect your work.
    Russell, I have always been of the opinion that the intent of the artist is more important than any critic’ that is offered. You have your reasons for why you created the form the way you did, and it is fine work, that needs no validation to make it legitimate.

    It stands on its own merits, whether mine, or anyone elses preferenes for form or proportion are met. I never have liked any turners critic’ when they come across as their way is the only “correct way” to do a form. I have done things myself that are “different on purpose,” and applaud outside of the box thinking!

    John Keeton gave me advice on studying form back a few years ago, and I did. It was great advice, and yet with all that I have seen over the years I have been turning, I have seen some unusual forms garner great acceptance, and hefty prices, so its not the circular/ingrown perspective that exists within the turning fraternity that is the only thing that matters!
    Last edited by Roger Chandler; 06-19-2018 at 10:41 PM.
    Remember, in a moments time, everything can change!

    Vision - not just seeing what is, but seeing what can be!




  6. #6
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    The vase part is beautiful and well proportioned but is the white thing a handle or final? Is weed legal in that corner of the country now? Just my humble opinion yeah.

  7. #7
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    I also think the finial is WAY to tall and thick. But, like others have said, if the form and proportion feels right to you, than thats really all the matters.

  8. #8
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    Well in case of an intruder you could swing it like a hammer as the finial is long enough I agree with most the finial is way to tall. A stellar bottom that is very well done but hey it is your piece.

  9. #9
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    I am not a turner, rather a conventional hobbyist woodworker. My initial impression is that I caught the finial first then the urn. It struck me that the white stood out from the urn drawing too much attention to it & leaving the urn as secondary. The urn strikes me as a beautiful piece of work that would have gleaned more appreciation by itself. Its grain gives off an apparent texture that is captivating.
    I agree with those who feel the finial is too long, out of proportion, and unfortunately the white color appears as a mismatch.
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  10. #10
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    perfect

    I think there are several aspects of "perfect" or "near perfect" in woodturning.

    One is related to woodturner induced defects, things like tearout, deviation from the intended smooth curves or crisp detail, and issues with surface prep and finish.

    Others are related to design, proportion, physical balance, choice of wood (type, color, figure), tone and contrast of components, and suitability to intended function. All of these are subjective where perfection is a matter of personal opinion. If there are zero unacceptable induced defects and the turner/buyer/recipient of the piece are pleased, then yes, label it perfect.

    As for this piece, I like the choice of wood and the surface finish looks excellent from the photos. I like the shape of the finial, especially the top (I might borrow that idea). The curves on the vessel and finial are difficult to critique without handling as is the physical balance. There are aspects of the design and wood selection that don't appeal to me personally but I won't list them because they don't matter one bit - we each like different things. Regardless of the results of the turning forum opinion poll I think the only thing that matters is what you think of it. And if you sell or give it to someone, what they think of it.

    JKJ

  11. #11
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    As you first stated, I will agree. There is no "perfect" piece.
    Every person has his or her opinion, and may like your tall finial. Personally I also think it's too prominent. But it is a really nice piece. Swap out the finial.

  12. #12
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    There was, actually, a touch of tongue-in-cheek in my original post. But all of you knew that, right?

    Russell Neyman
    .


    Writer - Woodworker - Historian
    Instructor: The Woodturning Experience
    Puget Sound, Washington State


    "Outside of a dog, there's nothing better than a good book; inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

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